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July 24 marks start of the Sounds and Sights Festival

Photo by Alan Scafuri from Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights.
Photo by Alan Scafuri from Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights.

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

Chelsea Area Festivals and Events is proud to announce the return of its annual Sounds and Sights Festival July 24-26 in downtown Chelsea.

The 3-day event will feature national and regional live music acts, local food and brew, an open-air art market, classic car show, chalk art contest, kid zone, and multiple events activities for all ages. It kicks off Thursday, July 24 during Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights free summer concert series.

Professional artists perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 10 staged areas located throughout downtown Chelsea.

The diverse music lineup includes Blues Dog Inquisition at Katie’s Korner on the library lawn, Marty Kohn at the East Alley stage, Sel de Terre on East Middle Street, Cold Tone Harvest at the Glazier stage, From Grace at the Sylvan Courtyard, and Tree of Life at the Clocktower Gazebo.

In addition to music, there is something for the whole family including balloons for the kids by 3 Generations Twisters at the Main Street alley, A2 Magic at the Clocktower Courtyard and Grant Willis – Space Art in front of Mack Building.

Interactive performance artists, Spontaneous Art and Poppet, will be traveling throughout the downtown area.

In addition to Thursday night’s free concerts, the Festival Social Tent showcases bands on the main stage. Located behind The Common Grill restaurant, beer and wine is for sale to those aged 21 yeas and over. Admission is $5 and all ages are welcome.

Thursday, July 24 is billed as ‘Chelsea Spotlight’ and features three bands with Chelsea connections.  Opening at 7 p.m.  is Jake Prince Trio. Veterans to the Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights concert series, Jake Prince Trio mixes elements of classic and modern indie rock.

At 7:40 p.m., Lottie and the Manatee take the stage performing indie rock infused with classical and Motown elements.

Ben Daniels Band headlines Thursday night performing Americana, blues, jazz and rock. With five CDs under their belt, Ben Daniels Band has toured notable venues throughout Michigan, New York City, Washington D.C. and Nashville.

Friday, July 25 features two of the region’s most popular Country performers, Bill Bynum and Company and Whitey Morgan and the 78’s. Bill Bynum and Company opens the show at 7 p.m. with both traditional and original tunes.  The band’s core of guitar, pedal steel, fiddle, bass and harmony vocals can lean into country, veer toward bluegrass, or take listeners on a unique journey through Bill’s original songs.

At 9 p.m., Whitey Morgan and the 78’s return to the Sounds and Sights Festival stage for the third straight year.  The Honky Tonk band emerged from the Detroit area music scene with whiskey tinged vocals and foot stomping beats.

Saturday is the festival’s “Dance Party” showcasing two cover bands that are guaranteed to stir up the dance floor. Joe Cocker Tribute Band kicks off the party at 7 p.m. with soul-stirring vocals framed by a sizzling horn section and one hard driving band. New to the festival this year, Mega 80’s is an award winning band recognized for both their live production and musical talents.

Winning 2014 Real Detroit’s “Best of…” Best Live Production/Cover Band, the paper states, “There is a reason Detroit has chosen Mega ’80s year after year. Carey Denha, Mike Racette, Ron Abraham, Mick Khzouz and Matt Webber are all acclaimed musicians and experts at bringing back all the musical glory of the ’80s. Because it’s a spectacular show and because there’s seriously no other band doing it better, we’re happy to recognize Mega ’80s as best cover band yet again.”

For a complete line up of music events, click here.

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