Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras 2.0

Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras 2.0 Takes Pine Knob Music Theatre By Storm

Master of Ceremonies and performer Bret Michaels, once again brought his variety show of musical acts to Clarkston, MI. This is the second time Michaels’ Parti-Gras has called Pine Knob Music Theatre home for the night. Last year opening night of the package was held in this very venue, so it only makes sense to include the stop once again with Parti-Gras 2.0.

Poison frontman Bret Michaels, had an ingenious idea to host a touring variety show of sorts and that would feature bands and artists he was a fan of along side his solo band. It work out fabulously in 2023, so it only makes sense to repeat the formula. The ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality seems to work well for Michaels, as there is already talk of next year’s edition. For Parti-Gras 2.0 we got to see the Bret Michaels Band joined by a great blend of musicians – country performer and Bass Pro Shop ambassador, Chris Janson, Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm, Eagles’ legendary guitarist Don Felder, as well as Twisted Sister singer, Dee Snider.

The evening started with Don Felder taking the stage around 7 o’clock and performing a nearly 45 minute set of mainly Eagles’ hits like Hotel California and One of These Nights. The evening continued with Jenson performing his 45 minute setlist which included his hits Fix me a Drink and Buy Me a Boat. Jenson, wearing a Social Distortion t-shirt, commented how he was the only country singer for the evening. He brought his 10 year old son out to sing a song along at one point. To a somewhat surprised crowd Jenson proceeded to take over the drum kit and play a mashup of Great Balls of Fire out of Redneck Life and a snippet of Metallica’s Enter Sandman.

The performers were energetic and interactive. They were having fun and making sure the crowd was, too. Bret and his solo band took the stage for a few songs and brought back Jenson and Felder to perform You’re Mama Don’t Dance along side him. Then it was time for Rock n Roll Hall of Famer Lou Gramm to join the party. Gramm treated the crowd to Foreigner classics like Hot Blooded and Jukebox Hero. Watching Michaels you could see he was enjoying sharing the stage with people he looked up to.

The crowd was eagerly devouring everything being served on the silver platter by Bret and friends. You would be hard pressed to find a seated fan in the venue this evening. The place went wild as Twisted Sister frontman extraordinaire, Dee Snider, blasted his way on to the stage. Rock royalty, Snider was not about to let the energy level simmer down just yet. Snider performed rock anthems like We’re Not Gonna Take It and I Wanna Rock before duetting a cover of AC/DC’s Highway To Hell with Michaels. Snider commented how much he missed performing and how he greatly appreciated the love from the crowd.

If one thing is for sure, Bret Michaels has always known how to have a great time and he sure knows how to throw one hell of a party! Inviting Snider to join this year’s festivities was an extremely smart move and I, for one, hope to see them together again….perhaps on Parti-Gras 3.0