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It’s almost time: June 4, Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights

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(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bridget Favre for the information in this story.)

(Publisher’s note: This very popular weekly summer event would not be possible without the support of local businesses. Please take a look at the list of them at the end of this story and be sure to say thank you the next time you visit them.)

Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, presented by Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chelsea, is pleased to announce its 2015 season lineup, which kicks off June 4 and runs every Thursday through Aug. 13, and features a variety of music, dance, comedy, and family entertainment.

Now in its eleventh year, the outdoor concert series is recognized for its mixture of music from jazz to country to indie rock and more.  Every Thursday, 11 acts perform on 11 separate-staged areas throughout downtown Chelsea from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The 2015 lineup includes more than 120 performances throughout the summer and features the return of many local favorites as well as 30 new acts making their festival debut.

“This year we had a pool of more than 200 talented artists apply to perform. This made selection and scheduling a challenge, but the result is a phenomenal line up with a variety of acts,” said co-organizer Craig Common.

“As you walk downtown, you can see veteran entertainers like Annie and Rod Capps, Los Dingos Del Norte and Bulls Halsey, who have performed at Sounds & Sights in the past, mixed in with new talent like Sarah Blacker, Thunderwüde, and the ABC Sisters. It is exciting to see the progression of favorite artists and to discover something new each week.”

The open mic stage is returning to West Middle Street again this year. “This is a popular stage for aspiring artists and gives local musicians more opportunities to be a part of the event.  Many previous open mic acts, like Mixed Nuts and Town Band, are now a part of our scheduled lineup,” said Common.

In addition to the music, the 2015 schedule includes magic, face painting, balloon artists, jugglers, dancers, interactive art demonstrations and comedy.

In partnership with Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, and sponsored by Friends of Chelsea District Library, The Chelsea District Library’s Comedy Showcase presents professional comedians the first four weeks of Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights. That stage with outdoor seating is located at Katie’s Korner on the library lawn and features premier comics from around the country including Billy Ray Bauer, Jeff Nease, Andy Pitz, and Tony Deyo.

Visitors can also explore SculptureWalk Chelsea, a self-guided walking tour of 12 juried sculptures which are a part of a yearlong community arts project.

“Sounds and Sights is an essential part of our initiative to increase vibrancy for our community and local merchants, while at the same time supporting local arts. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the financial support we receive from both the festival and our loyal sponsors continues to allow us to put on a first class, free event,” says Common.

Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights is a program of Chelsea Area Festivals and Events, and is made possible with the support from its 2015 season sponsors including: City of Chelsea DDA, Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chelsea, Chelsea State Bank, “Jiffy” Mixes, Rick Taylor Real Estate – Reinhart, Chelsea Rhone, Cleary’s Pub, The Common Grill, LaJolla Fine Jewelry, Lehman and Scheffler Real Estate Services, Roberts Paint and Body, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

Stages and events are also sponsored by Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, Chelsea Family Dentistry, Edward Jones – Diane Kieliszewski and Michael O’Quinn, Hardwood Solutions, Hatch Stamping Company, Heydlauff’s Appliances and Electronics, Jeff Klink and Associates, Mitchell Family, O and W Inc., Rick Eder Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Silver Maples of Chelsea, Ballet Chelsea, Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Parts Peddler Auto Supply, Victory Lane Quick Oil Change, Key Bank, and Advance Dental Group of Chelsea.

Additional sponsors include: Bay Arbor Tax Services, Biggby Coffee – Chelsea, Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center, Chelsea District Library, Cherry Optometry, The Purple Rose Theatre Company, RK Studios, Chelsea Area Historical Society and Museum, Chelsea Dermatology – Jona K. Gill, M.D., Chelsea Oral and Facial Surgery, Chelsea Wellness Center, Cut Loose Clothing, Dayspring Gifts, First Equity Residential Mortgage, The Garden Mill, Hopp Electric, Inc., JDW and Associates, La Maison, Lake Trust Credit Union, Manpower, Inc. of SE Michigan, Merkel Furniture and Carpet One, Moran’s Consignments, P.C. Johnson Construction, P.N. Pandya, DDS, The Potting Shed, Rotary Club of Chelsea, RuralReach.com, Surface Dynamics, TorranceLearning, VEO Art Studio, Zou Zou’s Café and Coffee Bar, Angela Chapman, PH.D., Benson Hearing, Carquest of Chelsea, Chelsea Cornerstone, LLC, Chelsea House Victorian Inn, Chelsea Print and Graphics, Chelsea Vision Care, Chelsea’s Best Car Wash, Dangerous Architects PC, Dave Stoll Construction, Dr. Raymond Howe Orthodontics, In Chelsea Hair Design, Kate Zurenko Photography, Kiwanis Club of Chelsea, Michelle and Manfred Bengsch, Plaid Melon Café, Riemco Building Company, Mack Ruffin & Kathy Carter, Serendipity Books, Stadium Development Co. Thompsons’s Pizzeria, Village Hair Studio, and Waterloo Gardens Bed and Breakfast.

Support is also provided by the City of Chelsea , 102.9FM W4 Country, Ann Arbor’s 107one, Ann Arbor Family Magazine, Burrill Strong Photography, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, Chelseamich.com, ChelseaUpdate, Current, Digital First Media, Mark Bogarin Photography, Midnight Sun Studio, Mlive, Palmer Auto Service, River Gallery + Exhibits, The Lucy Ann Lance Show, and Trinchero Family Estates.

For a complete schedule of entertainmnet, click here.

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