Detroit rock veterans the Romantics have been tapped as the feature performer at this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Charity Preview.

The group will perform on the NAIAS Stage near the General Motors display area on Jan. 15. Tickets for the black-tie preview are $250 each, with proceeds going to benefit a dozen local children's charities.

"We do a show, sometimes two or three shows, in Detroit every year, and we try and hold out 'til the show is right," Romantics frontman Wally Palmar explains. "This was a great thing to come our way, just being asked, because we know the type of bands they've had the years before (Barenaked Ladies, the Doobie Brothers). Those are bands that have had big hits, too.

"So we're happy to be doing this. We'll add our little bit, and with the cars out there and stuff it will be a great event -- as long as they don't regret it the day after!"

The Romantics formed in 1977 and hit big in 1980 with their hit "What I Like ABout You." The group has released six studio albums and had a No. 3 single in 1983 with "Talking In Your Sleep." Palmar says the band is in the midst of recording its next album, the follow-up to 2003's "61/49."

The auto show Charity Preview has raised more than $70 million for children's charities since its inception in 1976. Tickets for this year's event are available by calling (888) 838-7500 or by visiting www.charitypreview.com.