Once again, the tents go up, and the bands start to get going as the eighth annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival invades downtown Pontiac. With solid local and national groups coming every year, the festival continues to grow, and now dwarfs the Comerica Tastefest as the Metro Detroit’s area premier food and music festival.

Good weather should prevail this weekend, as restaurants of different varieties lure new people into their smells and tastes. Meanwhile, the 2005 version of Arts, Beats & Eats brings the following music groups that will lure in the crowds this weekend (and of course, they are subject to my criticism):

Friday: Crossfade (8:30 P.M.) & Seether (10:00 P.M.- Miller Lite National Stage): Will every WRIF listener be out in full force for this one? I think so. Crossfade and Seether’s riffs sound the same, but it seems to please a lot of people. Maybe in a live setting, one or both bands will break out and show me something different for a change.

Eddie Money (7:00 P.M.- Miller Lite National Stage): What isn’t Pine Knob open this weekend?

Howling Diablos (9:00 P.M.- Flagstar Alternative Stage): The longtime funk-rock masters of Detroit could give the crowd sample of the unique style that should have gotten them national notoriety years ago.

Saturday:

Better Than Ezra (8:30 P.M.- National Stage): Will the dependable mid 90’s alt-rockers even be here this weekend? The New Orleans band might be a no-show, but I for one hope they're ok and able to make it.

Hotsauce (10 P.M.- Martell Jazz Stage): Last week’s runaway band will bring the energy from the Masonic to Pontiac this weekend. Count on a great set from them.

Sunday:

Big Day for Local Rock: Grinder’s possible last show in Detroit for a while will be taking place, expect Darren McCarty to be having a good time at this one. (9:00 P.M.- National Stage).

Sloan (10 P.M.- National Stage): The Canadian rockers are veterans at this festival, having played in 2003 as well.

My Machine (12 Noon), Broadzilla (7:00), and Ray Street Park (8:00) will all be hitting the Flagstar Bank Alternative stage for the best of local music that day. Make sure to check them out…

Monday:

Fabolous & Ciara (6:00 & 7:00 P.M.- National Stage)- The New York rapper and one of the hottest stars in R&B and pop will be hitting the stage. Just keep Missy Elliott at home, please…