I'm sure there are many of us here in metro Detroit that appreciate the work you and your people have done to secure a free performance here at The Palace of Auburn Hills. I am one of the lucky ones still working, so it is bittersweet (mostly sweet in this case) that I cannot attend the show.
Of course the sideshow city council of Detroit had to express their displeasure in your location (should have been inside the city limits), but please don't think they represent the majority. It is a selfish thing for them to think this is only for those inside the city limits.
Again, thanks to you, your staff, The Palace, Pepsi, and everyone else involved in setting up this free show.

Keith

Ditto! It's quite unfortunate that the Detroit City Council receives so much media time. They're a joke these days. I am not a "Detroiter", I do live just 1/2 mile outside of the city. The automotive industries lay offs have affected people far outside of the city limits. You being willing to take time out of your schedule and do a free concert for those who are unemployed is honorable. Laughter is very healing in times like these. Thank you for your giving spirit.

Jay,

This is an amazing thing you are doing for the people of Michigan! I too am fortunate to still be working, but there are MANY here that are not and I know a lot of them. My family is heavily involved with the automotive industry. This will mean so much to many who will be able to attend.

And as for our city council, PLEASE ignore their selfish behavior. For them to even whine because they are upset that it is not in Detroit is a joke. They are a disgrace to the city and all the people who live there! What upsets me the most was that Connors & Reeves made comments that it was not fair because maybe they would like to attend, does she not understand that this is for people who are down on their luck? She has a job making I am sure over $100K a year...so this just shows how ignorant these women are. So please continue on with what you planned and ignore them! They do not even deserve a response from you!

Thanks again for your generous heart...we really do appreciate it!!

Thank you Jay Leno for your support of the people who have lost their jobs as a result of what is happening in the auto industry and double kudos for holding your show at the Palace rather than Ford Field. Throughout the years, Detroit leaders have blamed the surrounding counties and suburbs for the problems in the city yet they want us to clean up their messes and save them from doom. I moved from the city several years ago because of the leadership and I have not returned. I will travel miles to see an event before going downtown for a concert. Kwame took the city to its lowest and now the City Council seems determined to bury it as deep as it can. The immaturity and selfishness of Conyers and her cronies is an embarrassment. Maybe they feel if the performance was in Detroit, they could get in free. Like Kwame, always looking for a free ride.

Thank you Jay Leno, The Palace and Pepsi for thinking about others and a kick in the rear-axle to those in Detroit who continue to feel sorry for themselves while continually destroying what was once a fine city and the people who truly care.

Thanks Jay, for giving a smile and a laugh, to some people who could really use it right now!

And thanks to Pepsi and The Palace, and everyone involved!
This goes a long way with people, and we wont forget!

Thanks again!

Thank you, Jay, for your wonderful gesture to come to the Palace in Auburn Hills to do a comedy show for our unemployed workers!!

I live in Michigan's "thumb", and first heard about your future Palace show on WJR radio and then read about it in the Detroit Free Press (where the address to this message board was posted.) Altho' my husband lost his job in January, I am (thankfully!) still employed. While I know you're going to give a terrific show at the Palace, we won't be there since there are others far worse off than our family is. You will help lift the spirits of many, many people in our area. Bless you and thank you again!

PS--Ignore the Detroit City Council and their petty comments. You can be assured, those yahoos do not speak for the rest of us in Michigan!!!

Because no good deed goes unpunished, one of crazies on the Detroit City Council complained that Jay Leno to was only doing ONE free concert.

After their antics over the renovation of Cobo Hall, the City Council is almost as embarrassing as Kwame Kilpatrick.

http://www.tabloidtshirts.com/2009/03/hall-of-shame.html

I just wanted Jay to know we suburbanites appreciate his coming to the Palace and giving a free night of entertainment for the out of work, not only in the Detroit area but elsewhere too. I would like to tell him that the comments by Martha Reeves do not represent most in the Metro Detroit area and probably most of her actual constituents too. I would guess that Detroit is the only city that has shown to be unappreciative of his generosity. I catch his show most nights and am a car guy too. Can't wait for his new time slot so I can get to bed earlier if I should happen to find a job. Thanks Jay.

Leno vs Reeves
I'm married with a 6 month old. Not only do my husband and I NOT got out but we haven't been out ALONE since we have been married (and that is ok) and don't have the money to leave our little one with a sitter.
So Leno has gone from one show to 2 and Detroit City Council STILL can't get their panties out of a bunch - specifically Martha Reeves (anyone actually – would love to hear from Conyers on this one), part of Mo town - she has evidently been friends with Leno for a long time. Here's an idea - do a challenge (for free - anywhere, Joe Lewis, COBO) Reeves, guess who will win? Either way it’s a win win for the State of Michigan!!!
Now everyone grow up and worry about things that are much more important like feeding and educating out youth while stopping their violence!
Good grief already!
Concearns or questions - PLEASE call - heavens knows I'm unemployed and just waiting for the phone to ring!

Thank you Jay, for your thoughtfullness towards the people of Detroit (and surrounding areas). Please disregard the comments of Martha Reeves. She is a constant source of embarrasment and her racist comments were unfounded. If you are personally acquainted with her, you know.....

This region is hurting and you have taken it upon yourself to try and bring some relief.

I am employed, I am Black, I live in Detroit, and I don't care if you come to Detroit, Berkeley, Troy, or Auburn Hills.....you're coming on a mission of goodwill.

Bless you for that.

Michigan Autoworker Writes Song, 'Didn't Quit My Day Job, It Quit Me'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GUgEB6tpGQ

PONTIAC, Mich., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Greg W. Miles, a longtime contract employee for General Motors (GM) recently lost his job as a Processing Supervisor for tool designs at the Weld Tool Center in Grand Blanc, MI. Like thousands of Americans across the U.S., his job came to an end due to the economic hardship across our nation. This inspired him to write, "Didn't Quit My Day Job, It Quit Me". This song signifies how the hardworking American doesn't have the long term stability we once had in our workforce history.

A short time ago, in anticipation of the possibility of losing his job, Greg put some of his thoughts into the song. After 38 years working in Manufacturing Engineering he now finds few opportunities to continue in this field. At the age of 56 Mr. Miles ponders what his new career will be. For many like Greg who have seen their 401K cut in half, retirement is no longer an option. The song examines a list of fantasy careers evolving to the more likely job opportunities. The song displays in a rather lighthearted manner a very serious problem facing people like Greg across our country.

His song can be heard on youtube.com at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GUgEB6tpGQ

WHY NOT HAVE GREG PERFORM AT THE FREE SHOW AT THE PALACE? Big & Rich performs a song about Detroit. Greg is not Big or Rich, just another laid off Autoworker. (Today was his last day) Listen to the song, watch the video. You will be glad that you did!

I think that Leno should invite Greg Miles to this free event for the Auto Workers. Greg is a local and has worked in the auto industry for the past 38 years. His song speaks volumes around the current economic reality that many Americans are facing.

Leno, please have Mr. Greg Miles play his song at your concert in Michigan.

Thank you,

Michigan Resident

Yeah I agree, this guy should absolutely get a chance to sing his song to the Palace audience.

Thanks Jay!!!

I have been unemployed since November 2008. I worked as a contractor for General Motors for over 11 years. I received a phone call late one night stating that I will be laid off two days later. Two days notice!!

I think it is amazing to say the least, that you would do a comedy show for free here at the Palace. What a great guy you are!! Also many thanks as well to all (Pepsi, Dominos, The Palace, William Davison - rest in peace, etc.) those responsible for organizing this great event...Kudos to everyone.

Hello, I just want to say how wonderful I think it is that Jay performed two shows at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. He performed them for the people that have lost their employment due to the bad economy here in Michigan, most of them being employees of the Big 3 automotive companies. I know the people who attended appreciated it. From the tickets to the show, the parking, and refreshments inside, Jay made it all possible to no cost to these people. What generosity, A Big Hurrahhhh to Jay. Thanks for being their for these people to give them a night out and making them laugh. Thanks Jay!!!!

Susan From Clarkston, MI