The Square Pegz, a Clawson-based band that performs hits of the 1980s with a highly visual and energetic flair, returns to Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair in Sterling Heights on Thursday night. The fest runs July 30-Aug. 1.
The most notable aspect about the music lineup for this year’s Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair is the lack of nationally known performers — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There’s no doubt the attraction of star power is a big plus for any free outdoor festival, but local and regional bands booked by the fair organizers have the desire and energy to provide an entertaining weekend.
A further plus — promoters don’t have to deal with the outlandish backstage demands of major rock stars.
“These bands are thrilled if we give them each a bottle of water,” said Mike Crimmins, broadcast services manager for the Sterling Heights Community Relations Department.
Sterlingfest runs July 30-Aug. 1 at the corner of Dodge Park and Utica roads in Sterling Heights with an extensive variety of food, kids’ activities, a juried art show and live entertainment.
Each night features a headline act on the Dodge Park Concert Series Stage with more than two dozen bands and performers taking various stages in the daytime.
On Thursday night, the Square Pegz, an Oakland County-based band performing hits of the 1980s with a highly visual stage show, appear at 7 p.m. following the release of 5,000 balloons in the park.
The July 31 showcase acts include the Prolifics, a five-man Detroit-based vocal group celebrating 50 years of Motown hits, along with FunkinBluzin, a horn-driven blues-based band.
Closing out the series on Aug. 1 are vocalist Alyssa Simmons followed by Fleetwood Dreams, a tribute band performing all of the classic rock hits of Fleetwood Mac.
Meanwhile, regional and local bands perform on the Jazz & Blues Court Stage and the Suds N’ Sounds Stage include a number of bands with ties to Sterling Heights such as Nightline, Chill FX and blues guitarist Jim McCarty with Mystery Train. McCarty has been the driving force behind Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, The Rockets and other bands.
Other outstanding musicians on the bill include Count Bracey & the Pleasure Tones, who recently won the Detroit Blues Society’s Best Band Award; Chicago-based jazz pianist Rob Ryndak; Big Foot Bob & the Toe Tappers and more.
For children, there are numerous magicians, jugglers, puppeteers and musical acts performing in the daytime through the evening.
A complete entertainment schedule is available at www.sterlingfest.info.
Sterlingfest hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day, with free parking and $1 shuttle bus service available at schools along Dodge Park Road and on city-owned property. Admission to the Suds ‘n’ Sounds Refreshment Tent is $2 per person ages 21 and older after 6 p.m. Utica Road between 18 Mile Road and Dodge Park will be closed from July 29 through Aug. 2.
Source: www.dailytribune.com
Written by: Mitch Hotts, Journal Register News Service
