The Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival will be held December 11-15, 2014 with events taking place throughout Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Supported by the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Tourism Boards, the four-day event will include 3 days of classic rock music performances, a showcase gallery of famous album cover art and concert photography, a charity golf outing to benefit DIF (a public institution for social assistance among the activities of which is family planning, child care, assistance to the elderly, and women's programs), and parties at some of the most popular night spots in Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit. On Saturday evening in Puerto Vallarta, there will be a party honoring several Giants of Rock for their accomplishments in classic rock.
One of the biggest attractions will undoubtedly be the House Band, which includes musicians from several legendary rock acts, including former Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan lead guitarist Jeffrey Skunk Baxter; former Fleetwood Mac guitarist and rock-a-billy legend Billy Burnette; The Cars guitarist Elliot Easton; bassists Kenny Lee Lewis of Steve Miller Band and Kenny Gradney of Little Feat; drummers Curly Smith (Boston) and Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty, John Mellencamp); and keyboardist Teddy Zig Zag Andreadis (many artists including Carole King, Guns 'n Roses).
Several solo artists and singers will have their sets backed by the all-star house band, including Dave Mason (Traffic); Gary Wright (best known for his smash hit Dreamweaver); Craig Fuller (lead singer of both Little Feat and Little River Band); former Journey lead singer Steve Augeri; Monkees frontman Micky Dolenz; former Grand Funk Railroad singer Mark Farner; and blues legend Sam Moore (Sam and Dave). Additional acts are expected to be announced.
In addition to backing soloists, the House Band will play songs from their own catalogs.
Zaring said, "As the world's first and only festival celebrating classic rock, fans can expect 3 days of performances by some of the greatest musicians from the era. Whether you love roots rock, blues, soft or hard rock, you wont be disappointed!"
Jesus Carmona of the Hotel Association of Riviera Nayarit and Luis Cantu of the Puerto Vallarta Convention & Visitors Bureau, both said, "We are delighted to host Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival. This event is sure to bring lots of media attention to the region and showcase the best the destinations have to offer."
100% of the net proceeds from the day of celebrity golf will benefit DIF as will 10% of all ticket sales. Given its timing to Christmas, the festival will also be collecting toys for area children. Tickets and festival badges to attend the daily concerts and other events can be purchased at VallartaNayaritClassicRockFest.com. Daily concert tickets will be $95 USD plus 10% donation & fees, while discounted festival badges granting admission for all 3 days of shows, are $250 USD plus 10% donation and fees. A special all-inclusive 3-day festival badge, which grants admission for all 3 days of shows and access to watch the charity golf outing on Monday, December 15, also includes meal passes and beverages in a private VIP area, plus an official festival t-shirt, is $350 USD plus 10% donation and fees. Limited quantities in each category are available, and the festival is scheduled rain or shine. Discounted room rates will be marketed on the event website, with links to special offers by the festival's official hotel partners.
Frequent updates will be made via the festival's Facebook, Twitter (@ClassicRockFest) and Instagram accounts (@VNClassicRockFest). The festival website and overall marketing materials are being designed by Mexico-based Amaze Creative Agency.
Nayarit's Secretary of Tourism Rodrigo Perez Hernandez added, "The Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival will bring fans from around the world to Nayarit. On behalf of the Governor, we are excited to lend our support!"
Jorge Gamboa Patron, the director of Mexico Tourism Board based at the Mexico Consulate in Los Angeles, said, "For many years now, the Zaring Group has been a great partner in promoting tourism to Mexico. They produce exciting star-driven events, which is why we are happy to put our support behind this festival, which we believe will be an exciting new international event for rockers, their fans and local residents of the greater Vallarta area."
Other supporters for the festival include local DMC North American Travel, which will provide transportation services for the artists and VIPs. North American will is also offering discounted airport transfers to all fans attending the event.
Zaring Group founder John Zaring, the festival's creator, has three decades of experience in event production. In addition to producing charity events for stars Marg Helgenberger, Dennis Quaid, Meat Loaf, Samuel L. Jackson, among others, he also created and produces the annual Cabo Comedy Festival. Through the Zaring Groups signature destination resort promotion program, the firm has been promoting Mexico via special events and celebrity appearances since 2007.