“Shall We Gather at the River?” takes on a whole new meaning this summer when Louis Adado Riverfront Park is transformed into party central with the return of Common Ground Music Festival, the week-long music festival that draws thousands of avid fans. Music ranges from hip-hop to gospel, from easy pop to hard-core rock and from country to comedy as new talent and old reliables perform on both sides of the river, providing fans with a chance to listen, dance, celebrate and just generally have a fantastic time.

This year’s Common Ground, the ninth, will be storming into town July 7 through 13. Over the course of 10 days before the event begins, Riverfront Park will be changed from a quiet urban oasis into a multi-venue performance site, complete with the latest and greatest in sound systems; places to eat, drink, mix and mingle; stages both large and small; and (a rare treat at these enormous concerts) FREE parking!

According to festival director and Meridian Entertainment Group principal, Kevin Meyer, “Common Ground is a unique private/public venture, a partnership between Meridian Entertainment Group and the City of Lansing through the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA). Nine or so years ago, there was a realization that mid-Michigan could support this kind of big music event. Working with Peter Sullivan, former president and CEO of LEPFA, and with then Mayor Hollister, we came up with the idea for Common Ground. The city had the foresight to be willing to take the leap with us, and Common Ground has been part of the summer scene since then.”

Last year’s event drew over 90,000 patrons. The number has risen every year, so it’s safe to say that the numbers this year could well approach 100,000.

Meridian Entertainment Group (MEG) was established in 1997 to provide production, consultation and management services to music events like Common Ground. Besides the creation and continued management of Common Ground, MEG also consults and provides talent for the Muskegon Summer Celebration, now in its 14th season and dubbed “the largest outdoor music festival in West Michigan,” drawing over 20,000 patrons to its main stage over the course of the festival. The Unity Festival, the largest outdoor Christian music festival in the state, is now in its eighth season and is another of MEG’s projects. In Traverse City, MEG is now coordinating the concert component of the legendary National Cherry Festival. Other well-known events both in Michigan and throughout the United States that benefit from the efforts of MEG include On the Waterfront in Rockford, Illinois; the Michigan H.O.G. Rendezvous in Ionia; the Michigan State Fair in Detroit; the Dayton Air Fair in Ohio and others, including many corporate events. Principals in the organization are Kevin Meyer, Brad Coombs and Rick Shimel.

On the city side, Eric Hart, president and CEO of LEPFA, and Linda Frederickson, vice president of sales and marketing, work with Meridian Entertainment Group to bring Common Ground to its eager fans every summer. A nonprofit, Center Park Productions, has been set up through LEPFA to help run this and other festivals. Frederickson declared, “We have taken as a descriptor that Common Ground is an annual summer event that provides a variety of entertainment and activities that enhances a positive community image. The event brings vitality to downtown, showcasing Lansing and all it has to offer.”

Hart added, “It’s not just the city and MEG whose work makes this event a success. Corporate sponsors are essential and have helped us maintain low-cost tickets. And, besides our staff here at LEPFA, literally hundreds of volunteers give many hours of assistance before, during and after Common Ground. We couldn’t do it without them. Many of our volunteers are from Lansing’s nonprofit community, and we are happy to be able to donate money from the event to their causes.”

“It’s amazing how everything always comes together,” Fredrickson said. “Everyone works together well; music creates a common bond, and everyone is having fun even when they’re working hard.”

Hart added, “And, of course, we have the full cooperation and support of the public safety community.”

Once again this year, Common Cards will be available. A Common Card allows the purchaser to attend the entire event for the amazingly low cost of $85 (the price will go up after July 1). Single-day tickets are $29. Parking is free. Common Cards can be purchased at Common Ground’s office inside the City Market, by phone at 800-585-3737 or online at www.commongroundfest.com.

As though the music weren’t enough, Common Ground brings even more to the table: great food for sale by some of Lansing’s best restaurants as well as traditional festival favorites, festival and music merchandise and children’s activities. Nonprofits also are a presence at the festival, offering information to interested parties. Common Ground also sells beer, wine and has full bars located throughout the site.

The roll call of top musicians begins in mid-March when the first names are announced. Given Common Ground’s history, you can be assured that it will be an unsurpassed lineup. Past performers have included ZZ Top; Alice Cooper; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Beach Boys; Gavin DeGraw; Third Eye Blind; Gladys Knight; Charlie Daniels; Martina McBride; Smokey Robinson; Peter Frampton; Los Lonely Boys; Weird Al Yankovic and many, many more. Local talent is also given an opportunity to perform before Common Ground’s enthusiastic fans.

The biggest draws? According to Meyer, “The biggest night so far has been the Bad Boys of Rock, drawing close to 20,000 people. The Guess Who and .38 Special concerts were also big draws. We try to mix it up and have something for everyone — classic rock, modern rock, country, R & B, jazz, hip-hop and comedy. I’m often asked, ‘Do any of the performers make outlandish demands?’, and I’d have to say that they don’t. We work with professionals who come here to do their job and entertain people, and that’s what they do.”

So clear your calendar, gear up, get ready, practice your fancy dance moves and go into training for the marathon music event of the summer season: The Ninth Annual Common Ground Music Festival.