Council approved a $50,000 contract Monday night with Paradise Artists Inc. to have Lou Gramm, lead singer of Foreigner, and Grammy-winning Survivor headline Red, Rhythm & Boom. The city will also be responsible for expenses such as sound, lighting and accommodations.

For the 2004 Fourth of July celebration, the city approved a $25,000 contract for singer Don McLean, who is best known for songs like "American Pie" and "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)." In 2003, Davy Jones of the Monkees entertained crowds for $20,000.

"It's well worth the money spent," Councilman John McCurley said.

Survivor's hits include "Eye of the Tiger," while Gramm's include "Waiting for a Girl Like You."

The city of Mason is not the only community spending big bucks to bring in big-name acts. For the Taste of Blue Ash, that city typically spends $100,000 on various costs and has corporate sponsors chip in for performers such as Al Green and the Go-Gos, which each charge about $50,000 an appearance.

Mason's annual event, which will be held on July 3 next year, has drawn up to 10,000 people in the past, and some predict that having two big acts this year could push the attendance higher. Councilman Tony Bradburn suggested the city consider providing bus service to neighborhoods to avoid traffic and parking problems.

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