(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bridget Favre for the information in this story.)
Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights has announced its 2014 season lineup, which kicks off June 5 and runs every Thursday through Aug. 14.
This weekly event features a variety of music, dance, comedy, film, and family entertainment.
There will be more than 100 performances throughout the summer that feature the return of more than 45 local favorites as well as 25 performers making their festival debut.
“We included many crowd favorites from over the past ten years to help us celebrate Sounds and Sights 10th anniversary. The result is a phenomenal line up with a variety of acts,” said co-organizer Craig Common.
“We are pleased to showcase veteran entertainers like Bull Halsey, the North Creek Fiddlers and Eric the Juggler, who have performed at Sounds and Sights since 2004, with new talent like KayLyn Pace, Arbor Reign and Escaping Pavement,” he said.
This year, the open mic stage is relocated to outside the Chelsea Alehouse Brewery. “This is a popular stage for aspiring artists and gives local musicians more opportunities to be a part of the event,” says Common. “Several former open mic acts are now a part of our lineup.”
In addition to the music, the 2014 lineup includes interactive performance artists Spontaneous Art, pop and lock dancer Poppet, tap dance duo 2×4 and the spray paint artist Grant Willis.
Visitors are also able to interact with SculptureWalk Chelsea, a self-guided walking tour of 12 juried sculptures which are a part of a yearlong community arts project.
The Chelsea District Library’s Comedy Showcase presents professional comedians the first four weeks. That stage, which has outdoor seating, is located on the Library lawn and features premier comics from around the country.
Also returning in 2014 are the SRSLY Cinema free outdoor movies at dusk. After the entertainment ends, family-friendly films are shown on a 48-foot wide screen at the Clocktower complex where lawn seating and refreshments including fresh-made popcorn are available.
There are also a variety of food choices available from Jet’s Pizza, Cleary’s Pub, Gourmet Chocolate Café, Mike’s Deli, Sietz’s Tavern, Zou Zou’s Café, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, Chelsea Alehouse Brewery and The Common Grill.
“Now in our tenth season, we’re seeing more and more communities follow our model for this type of event,” says Bob Pierce, executive director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and one of the series organizers. “Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights is an essential part of our initiative to increase vibrancy for our community and local merchants, while at the same time supporting local arts,” he said.
Stages are located throughout the downtown area from the Clocktower complex to the library.
South and East Middle streets will be blocked off to accommodate stages and food stations.
The kids’ entertainment main stage, located in the Clocktower Courtyard, features favorites like Eric the Juggler, A2 Magic and Dee Dee the Clown and Nikki Skrobot, a new face painter.
“As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the financial support we receive from our loyal sponsors continues to allow us to put on a first class, free event,” says Common. “This community continues to embrace and support the arts. And the quality of performers that come from all over Michigan to perform here is a testament to our success.”
In addition to the 11-week Thursday night schedule, a three-day Chelsea Sounds and Sights Festival will take place July 24, 25 and 26.
The festival, now in its 38th year, helps raise the funds necessary to support the free summer long concert series.
For more information and the full schedule of acts, please click here , or call the Chelsea Area Festivals and Events at 474-9178.
