(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bridget Favre for the information in this story.)
Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, presented by Rick Taylor Real Estate – Reinhart Realtors, recently announced its 2018 season lineup.
This year’s schedule kicks off June 7 and runs every Thursday evening through Aug. 16, showcasing a variety of music, art, comedy, and family entertainment.
Now in its 14th year, the outdoor concert series is recognized for its mixture of music from jazz to country to indie rock and more.
Every Thursday, professional acts perform on 10 separate-staged areas throughout downtown Chelsea from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The 2018 lineup includes more than 100 performers throughout the summer and features the return of many regional favorites as well as 30 new acts making their Sounds and Sights 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 innovative acts,” said co-organizer Craig Common.
“As you walk downtown, many stages feature returning bands like Chelsea House Orchestra, Annie and Rod Capps, and Creole De Norde. We also mixed in lots of new talent, including up-and coming bands like Linen Ray and Red Herring. It is exciting to see the progression of veteran acts and to discover something new each week.”
In addition to the music, the 2018 schedule includes magic, face painting, balloon artists, jugglers, dancers, interactive chalk art demonstrations and comedy.
In partnership with Chelsea District Library, The Korner Stage features professional comedian, Kevin Kramis the first week of Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights.
The following three weeks showcase: A Touch of Magic on June 14, ComedySportz on June 21, and Aviary Aerial and Circus Arts on June 28. The Korner Stage provides outdoor seating and is located at Katie’s Korner on the library lawn.
Chelsea Chalk Art’s “Learn to Chalk” series, led by renowned competitive chalk artists, takes place weekly under the Chelsea Clocktower. Free chalk and templates are available for everyone to draw on the pavement thanks, in part, to a mini-grant from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and The Arts Alliance.
After Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, SRSLY Cinema presents free outdoor movies at dusk. Visit www.srslychelsea.org for details.
In addition to the 11-week Thursday night schedule, a 3-day “Sounds and Sights Festival” will take place July 26 thru 28. The festival, now in its 42nd year, helps raise the funds necessary to support the free Thursday nights’ concert series.
Visit www.chelseafestivals.com/festival for a list of events that take place throughout the weekend, including a kid zone, car show, chalk art and live music.
“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,” said 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 2018 season sponsors including: Rick Taylor Real Estate – Reinhart Realtors, the City of Chelsea DDA, Chelsea Chevrolet Buick, Chelsea State Bank, Jiffy Mixes, Roberts Paint and Body, Edward Jones, The Common Grill, Andy Kellogg – Financial Advisor, Cleary’s Pub, Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chelsea, Jeff Klink and Associates, LaJolla Fine Jewelry, Lehman and Scheffler Real Estate Services, Michigan Medicine, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, The Arts Alliance, Chelsea District Library
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
Stages and events are also sponsored by Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry, Rainbow Child Care Center, Parts Peddler – Chelsea, Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Chelsea, OandW Inc, Destination Ann Arbor, Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, United Methodist Retirement Communities, Chelsea Rhone LLC., Gestamp Chelsea Hardwood Solutions LLC, Hatch Stamping Company, Heydlauff’s Appliances, Jet’s Pizza, Mitchell Family, Rick Eder Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Thrivent Financial – Chelsea Group, Costco, Wilkinson Foundation, Silver Maples of Chelsea, Jackie Schiller and Suzanne Morrison, Bank of Ann Arbor, 102.9FM W4 Country, Ann Arbor’s 107one, Current, Ann Arbor Family Magazine, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, ChelseaUpdate, Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center, Palmer Auto Service, A Pigment of Your Imagination, The Lucy Ann Lance Show, and Trinchero Family Estates,
Additional sponsors include: Audio Acres, Biggby Coffee – Chelsea, Chelsea House Victorian Inn, Macklem Family, The Purple Rose Theatre Company, Torrance Learning and Zou Zou’s Cafe and Coffee Bar.
For a complete schedule, visit www.chelseafestivals.com.
