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And although the Shiawassee Queen was unable to make her traditional turn around the bend due to low water in the river, with attendance that was up more than 50 percent over last year's festival, that vision and new attitude has breathed new life into Chesaning's marquee event. "The week was definitely successful," noted Showboat Committee member Denise Ebenhoeh. "We sold over 6,000 more tickets than last year."

With eight full days of music and events, this year's festival pretty much had it all. And there certainly was something for everyone with music ranging from Christian Gospel, to country, to chart toppers of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, Motown, pop, and even some hard rock. The Hospitality Tent, an event in its second year, hosted even more styles of musical offerings.

A plethora of sporting events and this year's addition of carnival rides helped create the festival's new family-friendly atmosphere within the park all week.

The return of the Battle of the Bands again brought in the younger crowd greatly boosting attendance and participation. The festival wrapped up its eight day run a week ago Saturday with the Bad Boys of Rock show.

Organizers deemed this year's event a whopping success with substantial crowds turning out for all shows including a sell-out crowd for the final night's rock show.

And although some Showboat faithfuls balked at the idea of the introduction of rock music into their beloved, vaudevillian style show, like many other music festival organizers have, Showboat organizers realized the necessity of offering music to those of all tastes in order to remain successful along with the realization that if Showboat is to survive it must draw in the younger generation because like it or not, this is the age group that spends money on tickets for outdoor concerts, and this is their music.

And although a small few were displeased with the committee's decision to fork in this direction, and a small few disagree with this type of music, it is music just the same, and it does have a fan base.

The success of Chesaning's beloved summertime event hinges on keeping up with the times, and while that small few do not agree with the changes, they are necessary because the revenue the festival and those who come from out of town bring to Chesaning is vital to the survival of the community.

And believe it or not the members of the so called "Bad Boy" groups were among the most personable of the week's performers stopping in to downtown businesses in the afternoon before the show to "pick up a few things," signing autographs on Showboat Park grounds following the show, and even wandering through the entertainment tent to hang out and visit with locals.

Attendance for Saturday's rock "concert" alone was equal to more than half of last year's total attendance for the week. The amphitheatre was filled to capacity with 6,830 in attendance.

The last time the festival had a sold-out show was for Alabama during their final year of touring as a group in 2002.

Overall attendance for the entire week was up from last year.

Showboat Park was full for the opening Saturday's Day of Praise. "America's Band" The Beach Boys drew 2,823 fans of surf music for their Monday night show which featured special guest John "Uncle Jesse" Stamos joining in on guitar, drums, bongos, and vocals. The audience, which included a whole new generation of surf music lovers who were dancing in the isles, had fun, fun, fun.

The Gospel music of Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith drew 2,507 attendees. Faithful fans endured light rain showers during Smiths uplifting and spectacular performance.

Long-time Showboat fan favorite The Oak Ridge Boys, who have made more repeat appearances than any other act, drew a large crowd of 2,133 fans even though it was their third time performing at Showboat. The four-part harmony country group, who ended their show with a phenomenal acappella version of Amazing Grace, told the crowd "The Boys sure do feel at home in Chesaning!"

And even though ticket sales for Thursday's show were lower than the rest of the week, with 894 sold prior to the show, and even though headliner .38 Special did not perform due to a medical emergency, the night was still deemed a success as the multi-talented Edgar Winter saved the night with a spectacular performance. Winter, scheduled to open the night for .38 Special, at last minute stepped up and performed his full show in place of the opening act show he had planned. Some ticket holders missed a great show by choosing to have their tickets refunded due to the main act bowing out. "The people who wanted to see Edgar Winter were there, and they got a great show," noted one attendee.

Friday night's show which featured The Diamonds, The Spinners, and The Rascals drew 1,443 loyal fans and filled Showboat Amphitheater with the sounds of Classic Motown/Pop.

All other aspects of the festival were well attended also. The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 597 served breakfast to a packed house on opening Sunday's Dawn Patrol and Fly In and the campground was full of campers all week with tents lining the riverbank. The Hospitality tent, which offered even more music choices, was a huge success. Attendence to the event was triple that of last year with over 4,000 people taking advantage of the offering. "Last year was good, this year was phenomenal," stated event co-chair Joe Greenfelder.

One person who enjoyed the musical offerings in this year's Hospitality Tent and who used to be a regular at Showboat shows noted that this was the most fun he had ever had at Showboat even though he did not attend any of the main shows.

Greenfelder also noted that no negative incidents occurred related to the event.

Along with music and a great social setting, the tent offered alcohol, beverages and food, with all profits benefiting Showboat and the Chesaning Area Chamber of Commerce.

Even Mother Nature was mostly cooperative this year. Although the opening weekend of the festival started out on the scorching side, and Tuesday night fans endured small amounts of scattered showers, the rest of the week was beautiful outdoor concert weather.

As far as financial success, profit and loss figures for this year's festival will not be known for about a month until all bills have been paid, according to a spokesperson for the Showboat Committee. But organizers hope to keep the evolution of the festival moving forward and are already planning even more improvements for the 2008 Chesaning Showboat Music Festival.

And as it evolves from the Vaudeville-style show of yesteryear into the full-blown music festival that draws fans in today's world, it continues to pay tribute to the profound dedication people have for their music, whatever the style, and it boosts the Chesaning area financially, allowing it to continue to thrive.

For information regarding the festival visit www.chesaningshowboat.org