CLARKSTON, Mich. – Pine Knob Music Theatre is back! They made the name change just in time for a very important birthday.
This season Pine Knob is marking 50 years of summertime fun. If you are headed to a show this year you might notice some things are different.
Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents, Detroit’s premier live entertainment company, refers to this moment as “the rebirth of Pine Knob.”
What’s old is new at the iconic outdoor music theatre, starting with the name.
“DTE was an incredible supporter for 20 years; their priorities have changed. It allowed us to really bring this name back that everybody knows and understands,” said Handler.
When he says everybody he means everybody, including the legendary acts who’ve performed on Pine Knob’s stage.
“The minute that we announced it Peter Frampton was one of the first guys to tweet out, ‘It was always Pine Knob to me,’” Handler said.
The name change also comes with three rebranded entrances, box offices, parking areas, VIP space as well as a few new dishes added to the menu.
With a bright future ahead, the music venue will now also have a special nod to the past.
Handler said, “As you roll up, there is a 50-year photo retrospective that allows everybody to tap back into their memories or to make some new ones of all the things that have happened over five decades. It’s beginning with June 25, 1972, the very first concert teen heartthrob David Cassidy.”
There is also vintage merchandise.
All that’s left to do is for people to return and have a good time.
“Pine Knob belongs to all of Detroit and Metro Detroit and you know, a lot of people that love that right of summer,” said Handler.
The new season begins Friday May 27. It’s the music theatre’s first full season since 2019.
Read: Pine Knob Music Theatre is back -- but did the name really ever go away?