Big Sean to perform Tuesday at Ford's train station bash

Brian McCollum | Detroit Free Press

A Detroit party is getting a hometown star: Big Sean will perform at the Tuesday event marking Ford Motor Co.’s purchase of the Michigan Central Station, the Free Press has learned.

The Detroit rapper will be part of free festivities that start at 11 a.m. Tuesday on the grounds of the Corktown site, where the long-decaying structure is poised for a triumphant turnaround.

The Big Sean appearance was confirmed by two sources who requested anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak on behalf of the event.

The public will be admitted to Ford’s party on a first-come, first-served basis — doors open at 10 a.m. — and people are encouraged to register online in advance.

More: Bill Ford shares vision for Corktown

More: Restoring Michigan Central Station will take years — and lots of money

The event will take place in a sectioned-off space in front of the Michigan Central building, though people have been welcomed to also gather in surrounding areas.

Big Sean — whose hits include the fittingly titled “Bounce Back” — has been a high-profile Detroit advocate since his 2011 national breakout. The Cass Tech High School alum has been especially engaged with youth programs, teaming with Detroit schools and launching assorted projects via his Sean Anderson Foundation.

In March, he announced a partnership with Troy’s Emagine Entertainment to build a multiplex cinema in the city.

The 105-year-old Michigan Central Station has sat vacant and dilapidated since the late ‘80s, becoming a go-to symbol of Detroit’s decline.

Ford’s purchase of the property from the Moroun family was announced last week, and the towering train station will ultimately serve as the hub of a Corktown campus dedicated to self-driving-auto technology. Renovations are scheduled to be completed by 2022, and Ford expects to employ about 2,500 in the district.

Ford executives will elaborate on their plans during Tuesday’s event. Most of the day's agenda, including guests and entertainment, have been kept tightly under wraps.

The Ford-Big Sean relationship will continue later this week: The automaker is a sponsor of the rapper’s Detroit’s On Now event, which will run Thursday-Monday with activities across the city. Touted as a celebration of neighborhoods, local businesses and civic institutions, the festival — dubbed D.O.N. Weekend — will include a block party and Motown Museum fund-raiser.

If you can’t make it to Tuesday’s festivities at Michigan Central, Ford is hosting a free open house Friday-Sunday at the site.

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.