Chuck Bennett / Special to The Detroit News

Former Detroit Lions’ great Robert Porcher summed it up best: "I hate when people say this doesn’t seem like Detroit. This is Detroit. And these are the kinds of events that go on here. Much more than a lot of people realize."

Porcher was speaking of the much-talked-about GM Style party that kicked off the North American International Auto Show on Saturday night in a specially created tent-like facility on the riverfront, directly adjacent to GM World Headquarters at the Renaissance Center. Mary J. Blige, celebrating her 37th birthday, opened the by-invitation-only event, performing her latest hit single, "Be Without You," as models pranced the massive white runway while an impressive white, 1953 Chevrolet Corvette convertible rolled out amongst them. The crowd rose to their feet in appreciation. Prior to the show’s beginning, an estimated 2,000 guests mingled and enjoyed a multitude of open bars and food stations stocked by Forte Belanger. Amongst the offerings were duck leg confit and roasted duck breast, sea scallop lollipops, lobster soft-shell tacos, and cucumber and wakame seaweed salad.

The show continued with outstanding performances by Maroon 5, DJ Jacques and Kid Rock, who brought it all down with a medley of old school rock and hip hop tunes mixed with his own hits, including a special appearance by Rev Run of Run DMC. A highlight of his performance was the reveal of the latest Corvette, which was elevated during the show.

GM Style, in its second year, celebrates the artistic convergence of vehicles, design, fashion and music. The action-filled evening concluded with a private V.I.P. after party at Seldom Blues, which was converted into a Hollywood-style lounge with plush sofas and end tables. Porcher is a principle partner of Southern Hospitality Restaurant Group, which owns Seldom Blues.

Other celebrities and dignitaries in attendance at both venues, included Russell Simmons; John Salley; Thomas Hearns; Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick; former Piston Vinnie Johnson; Martha Reeves; and local TV personalities Devin Scilian, Carmen Harlan and Rhonda Walker, all of WDIV; and Jay Towers, Al Johnson and Charles Pugh of Fox-2 News.