Sounds & Sights Festival Opens for 37th Year in Chelsea

Downtown Chelsea will come alive this weekend, July 26-28, when the Sounds & Sights Festival returns for three days of music, exhibits from local and national artists, parades and entertainment.

Now in its 37th year, Chelsea’s long-running festival just announced it’s action-packed schedule for 2012 including a star-studded entertainment lineup.

Headlining this year are The Hard Lesson playing Thursday’s “Alternative Night," Whitey Morgan and Blue River Band performing country on Friday night, and Fifty Amp fuse ending the event on Saturday.

“This is the best lineup we’ve had since I have been involved," said festival committee member Craig Common. “The event has a very strong reputation in the music circles, and it’s only $5 to see the bands."

The social tent is open from 6:30-11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge, and all ages are welcome.

The KidZone features day-long activities and attractions both Friday and Saturday including kid’s entertainment, face painting, jugglers and clowns, a craft tent and tours of the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory. Other activities scheduled during the weekend include a chicken barbecue, a farmer’s market, artist demonstrations, sidewalk sales, and more.

The event is sponsored by the Chelsea Community Hospital, The Common Grill, Edward Jones, KeyBank, Cleary’s Pub, and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation. More information is available at www.chelseafestivals.com or by calling the Chelsea Center for the Arts at 734-433-2787.

Entertainment Line-up

• JULY 26

The Juliets, Bear Lake, and The Hard Lessons

Social tent opens behind The Common Grill at 6 p.m., live music from 7-11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge for the festival social tent.

• JULY 27

Whitey Morgan and the 78's, and Blue River Band.

• JULY 28 (Dance party night)

Billy Mack & The Juke Joint Johnnies, and Fifty Amp Fuse.

Social tent opens behind The Common Grill at 6 p.m., live music from 7-11 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge for the festival social tent. Additional live music featuring several local bands will be on stage from 2-5 p.m.

Performing will be:

Los Dingos Del Norte (2 p.m.), Red Haired Molly (3 p.m.), and The Sarah Sherrard Band (4:15 p.m.).