Know Before You Go: 2012 Ferndale Blues & Music Festival

The  – more than 60 concerts over nine days at two dozen locations – begins Friday. Here's what you need to know before you go:

The music and more

First things first: You'll need to know which bands are playing when. . For events where the time is not yet listed, be sure to call the venue in advance to confirm details.

Free shuttle service

A shuttle will operate during both Saturday nights of the festival. The shuttle bus will run between all of the venues. Guests can park and ride the shuttle for free between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Getting home

If you need a safe ride home, contact one of these local companies for more information:

• MetroRide cab service: Call one hour in advance. Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Ferndale area. Call 248-666-2110.
• A&A Car and Taxi Service: Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 248-544-1600.
• chauffeur service: Fee starts at $18/hour, three-hour minimum for bookings. Call 855-539-7753.

How to donate

Look for the "hungry blue pig" piggy bank at each venue to make donations. The festival will donate 100 percent of its proceeds to local charities Ferndale Youth Assistance and Michigan AIDS Coalition.

• Ferndale Youth Assistance works closely with the and the Oakland County Court System to provide youth with counseling, tutoring programs and more.
• is a statewide HIV/AIDS education and prevention agency based in Ferndale that coordinates prevention and education programs for at-risk youth and adult populations.
• Donations can also be sent to Ferndale Blues Festival, 429 Livernois, Ferndale MI 48220 or over the phone at (248) 545-1435.