About us
Although 2 Stones Events didn’t officially form until March 2009, its roots began in 2001. At
that time, Cal Stone was the editor of the Insider Business Journal and was participating in
Cleary College’s Leadership Livingston program. One of the course requirements was a
group community project. To make a long and very interesting story short, he booked jazz
trumpeter Wynton Marsalis at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. The two sold-out
performances on March 18, 2002, netted $32,000, which was then donated in equal
portions to the music departments at Livingston County’s five high schools and Cleary
College.
Even though he has played in numerous bands in metro-Detroit since 1986, Cal had never
before booked a musical act, especially one of Marsalis’ stature. Soon he was asked to
book fundraising concerts for other organizations. While continuing his ‘real’ job as a
community newspaper editor, over the next seven years he presented Branford Marsalis,
Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Reed, Marcus Printup, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
Cal married Whitney McClellan in 2007, and the two began increasing their promotions,
presenting Ramsey Lewis in a major concert and then focusing their efforts on providing
gigs for local musicians at the Brighton Bar and Grille and Downtown Main Martini Bar. In
June 2009, they began booking jazz and blues acts every Friday and Saturday at The
Grapevine of Novi (a service which continues to this day), presenting the best area talent,
including Johnnie Bassett, Bill Heid, Paul Keller, Bobby Murray and Doug Deming.
“2 Stones makes it super easy for me to have music at my venue. They do all the work and
book fantastic musicians within my budget. (And their posters are really cool, too!)” -- Brian
Burke, Owner, The Grapevine of Novi
In 2008, the Brighton merchant organization’s Principal Shopping District contracted the
Stones to book one of two stages for the downtown Summerfest celebration. The popularity
of the acts for the two-day event led to the couple being asked to book both stages for the
following year’s event, which was coordinated by the local chamber of commerce.
“The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce has worked with 2 Stones Events for
several years in presenting musical events to the community. Their experience,
professionalism, understanding of the industry and ease in presenting large scale
productions has been a true benefit to this organization.” -- Pamela McConeghy, President
& CEO, Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce
That organization was so impressed by the couple’s professionalism that they asked the
company to handle their 2010 Brighton Smokin’ Jazz & Barbecue Blues Festival (Sept. 10-
11), which reveals the wealth of talent the area offers in both genres -- like Tad Weed, The
Rumpshakers, Planet D Nonet, The Pleasuretones, Trio Organic and Greg Nagy – as well
as a Chicago blues legend, Magic Slim & The Teardrops.
Early in 2009, Whitney had come up with the perfect name for the company, 2 Stones
Events, filed the necessary paperwork to officially incorporate, and designed a fresh, hip
logo. The couple hung their shingle and rolled up their sleeves.
As word spread, requests for bookings increased, and Whitney began expanding the
musical genres they offer. The Summer Sidewalk Series at Novi’s 12 Mile Crossing at
Fountainwalk shopping center features country, folk, bluegrass, classic rock, New Orleans
party music as well as jazz and blues every Saturday afternoon. Their Fuerst Park (Novi)
monthly concerts are perfect for couples looking for an evening of relaxing jazz music in an
outdoor setting, as are their Friday evening jazz duos, like Paul Keller and Duncan McMillan
on the patio of Leaf Barley Vine (Brighton).
“Thank you, Cal and Whitney, for including me and my bands in your booking of quality
music around the Detroit metro area. Both of you are a delight to work with and I've enjoyed
everything about our musical relationship. It's so nice to do business with people like you
who care about keeping the client, the audience and the musicians happy. Your friendly,
professional style, attention to details and excellent communication skills are just a few of
your outstanding attributes. I'm looking forward to future collaborations with you. Warmest
regards!” -- Paul Keller, jazz string bassist and bandleader
In early 2010, while securing the bands, stage, lighting and sound for the Smokin’ Jazz &
Barbecue Blues Festival, 2 Stones Events was asked to do the same for the Brighton
chamber’s first-ever Country Americana Festival (July 10) at the Green Oak Village Place
mall. The couple dove into the genre by going to hear local bands perform and soliciting
those musicians for input on the lineup. Within one month, they wound up with a solid roster
of eight of southeast Michigan’s most talented, including Grievous Angel, Whitey Morgan &
the 78s, Catfish Mafia, and Annabelle Road. Plans are currently underway for the 2011
festival.
“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For a wonderful weekend and having the chance
to work with y'all. The event went off without anything to really speak of, which in my opinion
speaks volumes about the two of you. Thank you again for a GREAT weekend.” -- Chip
Balden, Site Manager, Brighton Country and Americana Fest
“I just wanted to say thanks so much for having us out yesterday. It was a great time the
whole band had a blast. Everyone on your end was great, very professional, kind and
courteous. Thanks again, and keep us in mind for future events.” -- Greg Michaels,
Guitarist, REDHILL
“You guys were awesome, I had a lot of fun and the bands were great. I will keep that in
mind for future events and activities.” -- Sean Valentino, CSM, Mall manager, Green Oak
Village Place
“I just wanted to say that I loved your event. I thought the security staff was really helpful,
the sound guys rocked! The attendance was terrific for a first-time event – which means the
promotion did not fall strictly on the artists’ shoulders. You guys did an amazing job. When I
think of performing at festivals, the usual problems are parking for band, merchandise sale
availability, a cluster#$%^ getting bands on and off the stage, and getting paid. There were
NONE of these problems at your event. You guys are pros! Congrats, and I would be
honored to be included next year. It was a blast!” -- Jill Jack, Artist
With only six-weeks’ notice, 2 Stones Events was asked to book acts for the first-ever Novi
Palooza, a three-day event (July 30-Aug. 1) at Rock Financial Showplace, and the variety
and talent was impressive: George Bedard & the Kingpins (rockabilly); Some Kinda Jones
(covers); Zydecruch (zydeco) and Beth Stalker (solo acoustic originals).
The summer of 2010 also saw 2 Stones Events booking acts for Northville’s Arts & Acts,
Brighton’s Fine Arts Festival and Pinckney’s Art in the Park, and a new Thursday jazz series
at Andiamo Novi.
Cal and Whitney are dedicated to securing gigs for musicians while standing behind 2
Stones Events’ motto -- “Your source for live music” for a multitude of clients: from clubs,
restaurants and bars to chambers of commerce, municipalities, shopping centers and even
individuals -- whatever the budget!
Call for more details 586.484.8797 or email info@2stonesevents.com
Although 2 Stones Events didn’t officially form until March 2009, its roots began in 2001. At
that time, Cal Stone was the editor of the Insider Business Journal and was participating in
Cleary College’s Leadership Livingston program. One of the course requirements was a
group community project. To make a long and very interesting story short, he booked jazz
trumpeter Wynton Marsalis at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. The two sold-out
performances on March 18, 2002, netted $32,000, which was then donated in equal
portions to the music departments at Livingston County’s five high schools and Cleary
College.
Even though he has played in numerous bands in metro-Detroit since 1986, Cal had never
before booked a musical act, especially one of Marsalis’ stature. Soon he was asked to
book fundraising concerts for other organizations. While continuing his ‘real’ job as a
community newspaper editor, over the next seven years he presented Branford Marsalis,
Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Reed, Marcus Printup, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
Cal married Whitney McClellan in 2007, and the two began increasing their promotions,
presenting Ramsey Lewis in a major concert and then focusing their efforts on providing
gigs for local musicians at the Brighton Bar and Grille and Downtown Main Martini Bar. In
June 2009, they began booking jazz and blues acts every Friday and Saturday at The
Grapevine of Novi (a service which continues to this day), presenting the best area talent,
including Johnnie Bassett, Bill Heid, Paul Keller, Bobby Murray and Doug Deming.
“2 Stones makes it super easy for me to have music at my venue. They do all the work and
book fantastic musicians within my budget. (And their posters are really cool, too!)” -- Brian
Burke, Owner, The Grapevine of Novi
In 2008, the Brighton merchant organization’s Principal Shopping District contracted the
Stones to book one of two stages for the downtown Summerfest celebration. The popularity
of the acts for the two-day event led to the couple being asked to book both stages for the
following year’s event, which was coordinated by the local chamber of commerce.
“The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce has worked with 2 Stones Events for
several years in presenting musical events to the community. Their experience,
professionalism, understanding of the industry and ease in presenting large scale
productions has been a true benefit to this organization.” -- Pamela McConeghy, President
& CEO, Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce
That organization was so impressed by the couple’s professionalism that they asked the
company to handle their 2010 Brighton Smokin’ Jazz & Barbecue Blues Festival (Sept. 10-
11), which reveals the wealth of talent the area offers in both genres -- like Tad Weed, The
Rumpshakers, Planet D Nonet, The Pleasuretones, Trio Organic and Greg Nagy – as well
as a Chicago blues legend, Magic Slim & The Teardrops.
Early in 2009, Whitney had come up with the perfect name for the company, 2 Stones
Events, filed the necessary paperwork to officially incorporate, and designed a fresh, hip
logo. The couple hung their shingle and rolled up their sleeves.
As word spread, requests for bookings increased, and Whitney began expanding the
musical genres they offer. The Summer Sidewalk Series at Novi’s 12 Mile Crossing at
Fountainwalk shopping center features country, folk, bluegrass, classic rock, New Orleans
party music as well as jazz and blues every Saturday afternoon. Their Fuerst Park (Novi)
monthly concerts are perfect for couples looking for an evening of relaxing jazz music in an
outdoor setting, as are their Friday evening jazz duos, like Paul Keller and Duncan McMillan
on the patio of Leaf Barley Vine (Brighton).
“Thank you, Cal and Whitney, for including me and my bands in your booking of quality
music around the Detroit metro area. Both of you are a delight to work with and I've enjoyed
everything about our musical relationship. It's so nice to do business with people like you
who care about keeping the client, the audience and the musicians happy. Your friendly,
professional style, attention to details and excellent communication skills are just a few of
your outstanding attributes. I'm looking forward to future collaborations with you. Warmest
regards!” -- Paul Keller, jazz string bassist and bandleader
In early 2010, while securing the bands, stage, lighting and sound for the Smokin’ Jazz &
Barbecue Blues Festival, 2 Stones Events was asked to do the same for the Brighton
chamber’s first-ever Country Americana Festival (July 10) at the Green Oak Village Place
mall. The couple dove into the genre by going to hear local bands perform and soliciting
those musicians for input on the lineup. Within one month, they wound up with a solid roster
of eight of southeast Michigan’s most talented, including Grievous Angel, Whitey Morgan &
the 78s, Catfish Mafia, and Annabelle Road. Plans are currently underway for the 2011
festival.
“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For a wonderful weekend and having the chance
to work with y'all. The event went off without anything to really speak of, which in my opinion
speaks volumes about the two of you. Thank you again for a GREAT weekend.” -- Chip
Balden, Site Manager, Brighton Country and Americana Fest
“I just wanted to say thanks so much for having us out yesterday. It was a great time the
whole band had a blast. Everyone on your end was great, very professional, kind and
courteous. Thanks again, and keep us in mind for future events.” -- Greg Michaels,
Guitarist, REDHILL
“You guys were awesome, I had a lot of fun and the bands were great. I will keep that in
mind for future events and activities.” -- Sean Valentino, CSM, Mall manager, Green Oak
Village Place
“I just wanted to say that I loved your event. I thought the security staff was really helpful,
the sound guys rocked! The attendance was terrific for a first-time event – which means the
promotion did not fall strictly on the artists’ shoulders. You guys did an amazing job. When I
think of performing at festivals, the usual problems are parking for band, merchandise sale
availability, a cluster#$%^ getting bands on and off the stage, and getting paid. There were
NONE of these problems at your event. You guys are pros! Congrats, and I would be
honored to be included next year. It was a blast!” -- Jill Jack, Artist
With only six-weeks’ notice, 2 Stones Events was asked to book acts for the first-ever Novi
Palooza, a three-day event (July 30-Aug. 1) at Rock Financial Showplace, and the variety
and talent was impressive: George Bedard & the Kingpins (rockabilly); Some Kinda Jones
(covers); Zydecruch (zydeco) and Beth Stalker (solo acoustic originals).
The summer of 2010 also saw 2 Stones Events booking acts for Northville’s Arts & Acts,
Brighton’s Fine Arts Festival and Pinckney’s Art in the Park, and a new Thursday jazz series
at Andiamo Novi.
Cal and Whitney are dedicated to securing gigs for musicians while standing behind 2
Stones Events’ motto -- “Your source for live music” for a multitude of clients: from clubs,
restaurants and bars to chambers of commerce, municipalities, shopping centers and even
individuals -- whatever the budget!
Call for more details 586.484.8797 or email info@2stonesevents.com
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