Calling all musicians, street entertainers and local singing Idols – Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights, the popular summer concert series in downtown Chelsea, is holding their annual auditions for the 2012 entertainment lineup. The audition date is MONDAY, MARCH 12, from 5-8pm at the CHELSEA FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located at 128 Park Street, across for the Purple Rose Theatre in downtown Chelsea.

Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights has become one of the largest weekly, outdoor music attractions in S.E. Michigan with crowds as large as 2,000 people attending the free Thursday night concert series. This year’s 11-week schedule kicks off on June 7th and runs every Thursday through August 16th.

The committee is typically looking for any type of entertainment. However,  this year in addition to musical acts, the group is hoping to add more street/visual performers. “We’re looking for something different,” says Craig Common, event co-organizer and owner of The Common Grill. “That means just about anything (within reason and good taste) that can entertain a crowd. Sword swallowers, dance troupes, stilt walkers, and so on.”

In addition to musical acts, the festival is hoping to add more street/visual performers. That means just about anything that can entertain a crowd.   Sword swallowers, dance troupes, stilt walkers, and so on.

There are over approximately 100 paying spots open on the schedule. Interested parties are asked again this year to fill out an application and reserve a time slot online at chelseafestivals.com. Those auditioning will then have 3-5 minutes to perform at one of four stages before a panel of judges made up of local musicians, committee members, merchants and maybe a few celebrities. Performers should bring any necessary equipment they would normally perform with. There are 50 audition slots available on a first come basis. Those that can’t make the audition or are not able to secure a time slot should still fill out the application online and then send in a CD, demo, or email a link to an audio demo. Selected performers will be contacted to schedule performance dates based on availability. Applications and more information are available online and there is no charge to audition.

For More Information

For more information email info@chelseafestivals.com, or call the Chelsea Center for the Arts (CCA) at 734-433-2787.

CDs must be received by March 16, 2012, and can be sent to:

Chelsea Center for the Arts
400 Congdon St.
Chelsea, MI 48118 .

Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights is presented by the downtown Chelsea Merchants, the Chelsea DDA, and is a program of the Chelsea Center for the Arts.  

Chelsea, MI:  The Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday, is a festive, fun-filled weekend celebration that traditionally kicks off the holiday season in Chelsea.  This year marks the 24th consecutive year for event and will take place the weekend of December 2-4, sponsored in part by Key Bank.

The activities start on Friday night when Santa Clause arrives to light the giant Christmas tree at Pierce Park.  Youngsters will have a chance later that evening to sit on the big fella’s lap and share their wish list at Santa’s workshop at the Depot. “Unlike some of the other big events in town, this is really an event for the people of Chelsea,” says Chamber Director and organizer, Bob Pierce.  “This is a true local celebration and we don’t really market outside of the community for that reason.”

There are many other attractions during the weekend including the 7th annual Holiday Light Parade along Main Street, lit up with illuminaries, on Saturday evening, followed by the community sing and afterglow party at Chelsea Teddy Bear. “The parade and sign-along after really represent the holiday spirit here in Chelsea,” says Pierce. “It doesn’t get much warmer or fuzzier than that event.”

There are a few new  activities this year and the return of many of the standard favorites.  Chelsea District Library is offering a Teen & Tween Gift making session on Saturday afternoon (2-3:30p).  Younger kids pre-K to 5th grade have the opportunity to shop for those on their list at the Children’s Christmas Bazaar at the First United Methodist Church, also on Saturday (must sign up at ww.signupgenius.com/go/201268).  The church will also host two Gingerbread House Workshops from 11:30a-12:30p and 12:30-1:30p.  Families can decorate their own custom gingerbread house (FREE- reservations needed by calling the Chamber office @475-1145).

Chelsea’s own talented Youth Dance Theater will be performing the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker at the high school, with 5 shows scheduled throughout the weekend.  There are many other free concerts scheduled around town.   If they didn’t get enough of Santa on Friday night, kids and their families are invited to have a FREE breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center, courtesy of Lake Trust Credit Union.  Just down the road from there at the Chelsea Fair Grounds service building, dozens of local artists and crafters will show and sell their work at All The Trimmings Artisans Holiday Show (10a-4p).

Sunday features musical concerts throughout the day including the Chelsea Chamber Players performing two free holiday shows at the First United Methodist Church (3p & 7p) and the local church choirs singing holidays songs at the Festival of Lessons & Carols at the Chelsea Retirement Center Chapel (6:30p).

Chelsea will be all decked out in holiday splendor to warm your hearts and get everyone in the holiday spirit.  Many of the local merchants will be open late all weekend for shopping.  Free gift wrapping,  refreshments, demonstrations and entertainment will be available at select stores (see web site).

For more information and a detailed list of events and activities (updated daily), please click on chelseafestivals.com or call 734-475-1145.  You may also download a copy of the brochure from the web site.

Chelsea Hometown Holiday is graciously sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union, Chelsea Teddy Bear Company and KeyBank.  The event is cosponsored and planned by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.

Thanks to in-kind sponsors: Chelsea District Library, Chelsea Comfort Inn & Conference Center, The Chelsea Standard, City of Chelsea, Chelsea McDonald’s, Chelsea Rotary, Chelsea State Bank, Merkel Furniture & Carpet One, Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Chelsea Public Schools, and the Chelsea local Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts.

Even while it’s still only the fall season, folks in the community are already eager to start planning for Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday Light Parade, which takes place on December 3. For those ready to get started on their floats before the winter weather is upon us (good thinking!), you can download the parade application here and mail, email, fax or bring it to the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Parade Application 2011 (PDF)
• If you prefer, we also have file available in Word format: Parade Application 2011 (DOC)

Instructions for submitting the application are included on the form itself. All entries must be reviewed and approved by the Parade Committee prior to participation in the parade.

If you have questions, please contact the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce at (734) 475-1145.

It’s the final week of Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights for 2011. Don’t miss your last chance of the summer to catch our amazing lineup of musical acts, children’s entertainment, and other lively performances at separate staged areas in walkable downtown Chelsea, Michigan. Performances and activities take place from 6:30 until 8:30pm. See you downtown!

Live Entertainment

• Coconut Radio (Rock) at the Library
• String Cheese (New World) at the South St. Tent
• 3 Generations Entertainment (Balloons) at Winan’s Alley
• Frank Perkins (Americana) at East Alley
• Trio Tumbao w/ Paul Vornhagen (Cuban) at East Middle
• Creole du Nord (Zydeco) at the Total Fitness Lot
• The Royal Garden Trio (Swing Jazz) at the Sylvan Courtyard
• Billy Brandt & Sarana VerLin (Celtic & Americana) at the Glazier Building
• Going Homeless (Acoustic & Rock) at the Clocktower Gazebo
• Eric the Juggler at the Clocktower Courtyard
• Open Mic at the Teddy Bear Factory Stage

Check out the full performance schedule for Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.

For performance locations, see our Stage Map.

Check out this week’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights lineup! Come out and start your weekend early by strolling downtown to listen to great music, take in the sights, and enjoy lively performances at separate staged areas in historic downtown Chelsea, Michigan.

Live Entertainment

• Zero Gravity Band (Jazz) at the Library
• Los Dingos del Norte (Rock) at the South St. Tent
• 3 Generations Entertainment (Balloons) at Winan’s Alley
• Frankdapope (Acoustic mix) at East Alley
• The Bonfire Poets (Adult Alt Rock) at East Middle
• Marco & Clare (Acoustic Mix) at the Total Fitness Lot
• The Dixie Mafia (Classic Rock) at the Sylvan Courtyard
• Scenic Route (Rock) at the Glazier Building
• Tropicooljazz (Jazz) at the Clocktower Gazebo
• The Mister Laurence Experience (Kids’ Rock) at the Clocktower Courtyard

Check out the full performance schedule for Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.

For performance locations, see our Stage Map.

Outdoor Movie at Dusk

Independence Day (PG-13) provided by SRSLY Cinema

Subscribe!

Would you like to receive weekly emails with the Sounds & Sights schedule? Join our mailing list to keep track of your favorites. This link will bring you to a Chelsea Center for the Arts page. From there, enter your email address in step 1, then choose “Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights” as your category in step 2.

Check out this week’s lineup of musical acts, children’s entertainment, and other lively performances at separate staged areas in walkable downtown Chelsea, Michigan. Enjoy your Thursday night out with music, fun, plenty of food options, and more all in a family friendly atmosphere. Performances and activities take place from 6:30 until 8:30pm. See you downtown!

Live Entertainment

• Tripp ‘n Dixie (Rock) at the Library
• Annie & Rod Capps (Folk) at the South St. Tent
• 3 Generations Entertainment (Balloons) at Winan’s Alley
• The Potter’s Field (Americana) at East Alley
• Creole du Nord ( Zydeco) at East Middle
• Delirious Love (Rock) at the Total Fitness Lot
• Letha Allen & The Benders (Bluegrass) at the Sylvan Courtyard
• The Shelter Dogs (Lounge-a-billy) at the Glazier Building
• Jammin’ Grammas (Traditional/Folk) at the Clocktower Gazebo
• Eric the Juggler at the Clocktower Courtyard
• Open Mic at the Teddy Bear Factory Stage

Check out the full performance schedule for Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.

For performance locations, see our Stage Map.

Outdoor Movie at Dusk

Mrs. Doubtfire (PG-13)provided by SRSLY Cinema

Check out this week’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights lineup! Come out and start your weekend early by strolling downtown to listen to great music, take in the sights, and enjoy lively performances at separate staged areas in historic downtown Chelsea, Michigan.

Live Entertainment

• Dorkestra (Jazz) at the Library
• Jen & the Koppins (Americana) at the South St. Tent
• 3 Generations Entertainment (Balloons) at Winan’s Alley
• Fred van Reesma (Acoustic Rock/Pop) at East Alley
• The Bonfire Poets (Adult Alt Rock) at East Middle
• Afternoon Round (Country Rock) at the Total Fitness Lot
• Danny James Band (Rockabilly) at the Sylvan Courtyard
• Billy Brandt & Sarana VerLin (Celtic & Americana) at the Glazier Building
• The Bluescasters (Blues) at the Clocktower Gazebo
• Dee Dee the Clown at the Clocktower Courtyard
• Open Mic at the Teddy Bear Factory Stage

Check out the full performance schedule for Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.

For performance locations, see our Stage Map.

Outdoor Movie at Dusk

Marley & Me (PG) provided by SRSLY Cinema

Subscribe!

Would you like to receive weekly emails with the Sounds & Sights schedule? Join our mailing list to keep track of your favorites. This link will bring you to a Chelsea Center for the Arts page. From there, enter your email address in step 1, then choose “Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights” as your category in step 2.

The Macpodz captivate music lovers with a kinky concoction of American tradition and world grooves. Their sound, called “Disco Bebop,” was conceived in early 2006 when the rhythm section applied a four-on-the-floor roller rink beat to a Charlie Parker standard.

The poet and social activist John Sinclair was integral to the formation of the Macpodz, as Jesse Clayton (keys), Brennan Andes (bass) and Nick Ayers (percussion) accompanied his spoken word performances in Ann Arbor, MI. The addition of Ross Huff (trumpet) and Griffin Bastian (drums) established the quintet.

The Macpodz wooed festival audiences at Rothbury, Bear Creek, Summer Camp, All Good, Moe.Down and Gathering of the Vibes. Building momentum in 2011, plans include the release of new recordings, tour stops in Colorado and California, and sets at several highly anticipated festivals, including the Electric Forest in Rothbury, MI and of course, our own Sounds & Sights Festival.  Don’t miss this band!

Don’t miss the Macpodz live at the Sounds & Sights Festival on Thursday, July 28, 2011! And be sure to check out our performance lineup at the Social Tent.

Special thanks to:

Article reprinted from The Sun Times News (July 21, 2011)

By Greg Raye

The time is near for Chelsea’s Sounds and Sights Festival (formerly Summerfest), and for pet lovers, this means it’s once again time to enjoy the popular Pet Parade. In addition to the many musicians, artist, and entertainers, a popular part of the weekend is the Pet Parade.

The Pet Parade is one of the highlights of the city’s annual festival, which is held each year during the final weekend of July. It’s free, it’s fun, and it takes place Saturday morning. In order to beat the heat and avoid big crowds, the Pet Parade gets started about 10:00 a.m. This event is sponsored by Chelsea Farmer’s Supply. All participants should plan to arrive at Chelsea Farmer’s Supply (122 Jackson St., downtown Chelsea at the railroad tracks) at about 9:30- 9:40 to check-in and get lined up for the parade. Although Tom, the Royal Palm turkey and former Chelsea fair champion, is no longer available to lead the parade, the wide variety of pets appearing all dressed up in costume are sure to amuse and entertain all spectators and participants.

The Parade features dozens of pets ranging from goats to lizards, rabbits to ponies, and dogs and cats. The wide variety of pets is always a big attraction and the creativity of the costumes shows off some of the owner’s great imagination. All pets are invited to attend, as long as they get along with the other animals. This is an event that appeals to all ages.

Last year’s theme was “American Heroes and Icons”. Owners and pets appeared in costumes ranging from Lucille Ball to Godzilla. A few pets resembling John Wayne were also in attendance, as well as the Statue of Liberty.

This year’s theme is “A Day At The Beach”. The parade board chose this theme in part because it would open to many fun interpretations. “We’re expecting some colorful costumes this year and are anticipating some very interesting swimsuits,” said H.K. Leonard, one of the organizers.

Not only is the event free, there are always various treats given to both owners and their pets.

After the parade completes its path through downtown, the contests will take place.(Editor’s Note: The parade route can be found on the Pet Parade page on the Chelsea Festivals website.) 

Each year the contest judging has been done by Miss Washtenaw County. These contests are a lot of fun and include Best Kisser (usually a dog), Most Unique Costume, Largest, Smallest, Youngest and Oldest pet, and more. The winners get ribbons, medals, prizes and photos. There will be a professional photographer on hand at the parade, and photos will be available to all participants. For further information, call H.K. at Chelsea Farmers Supply at (734) 475-1777

The Sun Messengers are an eight-piece, horn-driven R&B show-band based in Detroit, Michigan. This top-notch band plays everything from Motown classics and old school Funk to Big-Band, Classic Rock and Jazz standards. The Sun Messengers have been one of the most popular groups in the Detroit area since forming in 1980.

In addition to performing as a headliner, the band has backed up such artists as The Drifters, Johnny Adams, Earl King, Martha Reeves, Sir Mack Rice, Leon Thomas and The Falcons.

Since 1996 the Sun Messengers have been the house band for the Detroit Pistons, performing during Piston’s home games. The band consists of a four-piece horn section, drums, bass, keyboards and guitar. Six of the eight members handle the vocal arrangements.  They return to Chelsea for an encore show in 2011.

Don’t miss The Sun Messengers live at the Sounds & Sights Festival on Friday, July 29, 2011! And be sure to check out our performance lineup at the Social Tent.

Special thanks to: