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

Kids at last year's Sterlingfest (sterlingfoundation.org)

Despite rumors that Sterlingfest was being forced to scale back this year due to the poor economy, the schedule of events for the annual celebration is looking pretty full!

As usual, the festival will be held at Dodge Park and Utica Roads in the city of Sterling Heights. What was once a small, local event for the citizens of the city, has grown into a fete that attracts people from all over the metro-Detroit area.

The hours of operation this year will be 10 am to 11 pm with music scheduled to play throughout the day, culminating in free concerts at night in Dodge Park. While onsite parking will be free, there will also be shuttles available for $1 at local schools along Dodge Park Road. Emphasis will be on jazz and blues with a long list of performers on tap to lure folks away from the art, food, and other attractions. 75 artists are scheduled to be there displaying their creations, as well as nearly a dozen local restaurants and musicians from all over the area.

Many children’s events are scheduled over the course of the three day party as well. You may access a list of items that will interest your kids by access an accompanying article “Sterlingfest Kids’ Attractions”

A major “heads up” to all those planning to attend or driving in the area: Utica Road will be closed between 18 Mile and Dodge Park from July 29 through August 2. For accurate directions on how to get to the festival and for a complete list of events, vendors, and attractions, please check out the Sterlingfest information and traffic pages contained in the “Sterlingfest Traffic Info” article elsewhere on this site.