Stewart Francke Headlines Tonight's Stars in the Park

Tonight's free Stars in the Park concert at will feature Stewart Francke and His Band.

Francke’s music is a blend of rock and soul, influenced equally by Marvin Gaye and Brian Wilson.

"Stewart Francke is the best songwriter I’ve heard in 20 years," Mick Taylor, legendary guitarist and former member of The Rolling Stones, said.

Francke has just released his 11th album, Heartless World, which features a vocal collaboration with Bruce Springsteen on "Summer Soldier (Holler If Ya Hear Me).” He has been recognized with numerous Detroit Music Awards, including Best Artist, Songwriter and Album.

Hour Detroit readers voted Francke “Most Popular Musician 2002-2004," and he was awarded a Creative Artist Grant by Artserve Michigan in 2004.

Francke has performed with Sheryl Crow, Stevie Winwood, Steve Earle, Eddie Money, Huey Lewis and the News, Shawn Colvin, Hootie and the Blowfish, Chicago, Hall and Oates, Chuck Berry, and many other artists, and fronts his own band at venues across the country.

The concert begins at 7 p.m., and concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner. Heritage Park is at 24915 Farmington Rd. The concert rain out site is the , 28600 W. Eleven Mile Rd. To learn more, call the , 248-473-1856.