Ann Arbor Struts Its Cultural Stuff

Summer is the time when Ann Arbor really struts its stuff.  Beginning with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, June 18 - July 11, downtown Ann Arbor is particularly welcoming to visitors as the area plays host to over 100 events.  This festival centers on music, while the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, which start next month, shift the emphasis to art. 

Originally a showcase for classical music and theater, the Summer Festival now features a mix of all styles, from jazz to disco, rock to ethnic genres, plus other family entertainment.  Held in the area between Thayer, North University, and Fletcher streets, the festival includes an exciting mix of music, movies, dance, food, and hands-on activities for all.  There will be paid-admission indoor performances at Power Center and Hill Auditorium and free outdoor concerts on Ingalls Mall.  .

This year is the 27^th year for the festival which strives "to present a world-class celebration of arts and entertainment that enriches the cultural, economic, and social vitality of the region."  To this end, the festival appeals to the diverse population of the city and even has theme nights to stress different cultures.   "The Ann Arbor Summer Festival offers an energetic mix of regional, national, and international artists of all disciplines," according to Executive Director of the Festival Robb Woulfe.  He encourages visitors to "Catch a great band, a movie al fresco, dancing in the street, skateboarders flying through the air, fringe performances, fantastic indoor concerts, and a variety of family attractions."  

To experience the flavor of the Ann Arbor cultural scene, plan on being a frequent attendee at the Summer Festival going on now through July 11.  Like the area so much you want to settle here?  Martin Bouma - your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert - can meet virtually all of your Ann Arbor real estate needs.  Whether you're buying or selling a home, the Bouma Group can answer any questions you have about real estate in Ann Arbor.  Interested in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood?  Call the Bouma Group today! And don't forget to check out our Condo Hotline - we've got a handle on the Ann Arbor condominium market.

P.S. - Events for this weekend represent the full schedule of events:

June 18 -- First Friday (Opening Night)

5 p.m.               Kidzone
5 p.m.               Body Masterpiece Extreme Face Painters
5 p.m.               Tokyo Sexwhale
7 p.m.               Mucca Pazza
8:45 p.m.          My Dear Disco
10:30 p.m.        After Dark with DJ Body Rock

June 19 - Salsa Saturday

5 p.m.               Kidzone
5 p.m.               Body Masterpiece Extreme Face Painters
5 p.m.               ReTreat featuring: Rope Yoga (mind/body sessions on the lawn)
5 p.m.               Grassrootz Teen Stage featuring Community High School
6:30 p.m.          Saoco
8 p.m.               "Come Together," 50 years of The Beatles
8:30 p.m.          Orquesta Sensacional
10:30 p.m.        After Dark with DJ Nick Ayers

June 20

4 p.m.               Acoustic Café Live
5 p.m.               Kidzone
5 p.m.               Body Masterpiece Extreme Face Painters
5 p.m.               Tsars
6:30 p.m.          Jill Jack Band
8:00 p.m.          JJ Grey & Mofro
10 p.m.             "Star Trek"