Tonight is Day 2 of Top of the Park, the popular, free (donations welcome) outdoor happening featuring music, movies, kicking back, running into friends, and a variety of other attractions.

Each day in cooperation with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival—which presents Top of the Park as well as main-stage ticketed events—AnnArbor.com is publishing a rundown of the night's happenings. Here's an overview of tonight's schedule, followed by a more detailed look at the events and attractions:

OVERVIEW

5-8 p.m. - KidZone - kids activity tent
5 p.m. - Retreat: Chi Kung class
5 p.m. - Dan Henig - acoustic folk
6 p.m. - Chris Bathgate - Americana
7 p.m. - Theo Katzman - pop/rock
7:30 p.m. - Bachanal - aerial acrobatics
9 p.m. - Lady Sunshine & the X Band - blues / pop / R&B
11 p.m. - After Dark with DJ Michael Dykehouse

ENTERTAINMENT DETAILS

Dan Henig - 5 p.m.
Dan Henig is an Ann Arbor based singer/songwriter whose sound combines original lyrics, smooth vocals, and catchy acoustic guitar hooks. On the Grove stage.

Chris Bathgate - 6 p.m.
Prolific singer/songwriter Chris Bathgate writes seminal songs that reel you in with the honesty and intensity found in his voice, lyricism, and musical depth. Working in the same vein as Sufjan Stevens, Will Oldham and Damien Jurado, Bathgate's heartfelt compositions have earned him a strong local following.

AnnArbor.com feature story on Chris Bathgate

Theo Katzman - 7 p.m.
The former guitarist in the Michigan electro-pop supergroup My Dear Disco and his band concoct their own mix of edgy, melodic rock n' roll with a strong dose of '70s soul.

AnnArbor.com feature story on Theo Katzman




Lady Sunshine & the X Band - 9 p.m.
With lively shows that echo the Stax-Volt legacy, Lady Sunshine and the X-Band is a true product of the Motor City and is a reflection of the very essence of Detroit - emotion, fire, pride, and soul. An Ann Arbor favorite, come down and enjoy blues and soul with this time-tested band.

After Dark with DJ Michael Dykehouse - 11 p.m.
Performing since: 1999
Home base: Ann Arbor
Style of music: Electronic
Band name backstory: Dykehouse is my last name:)
Day jobs: Record Store Clerk
Favorite road food: Mexican
Favorite stage outfit: Tee-shirt and comfortable pants.
Musical hero: Aphex Twin


OTHER ATTRACTIONS

The Roots Lounge, presented by AnnArbor.com
Stop by The Roots Lounge, a new feature at the festival this year, presented by AnnArbor.com. With free public WiFi available through 20/20 Communications, it’s a place where you can post, share, tweet, read or just relax, listen and enjoy.

Tonight visit with Ann Arbor 107one's Matthew Altruda, in The Roots Lounge, as he MCs the stage performances in the adjacent Grove from 5-7 p.m.. After 11 p.m., stop by After Dark as DJ Michael Dykehouse turns up the heat in The Grove and get your complimentary AnnArbor.com glow bracelet in The Roots Lounge.

Retreat: Chi Kung class - 5-6 p.m.
"Retreat" is a series of mind-body sessions at Top of the Park. Led by experienced practitioners, all sessions are free, and take place each weekend in the gardens and courtyards surrounding the Alumni Center of Fletcher Street. This evening, Chi-Kung: body, mind, and energy mechanics for stress reduction with Peaceful Dragon School instructor Master Wasentha Young.

Bachanal - aerial acrobatics - 7:30 p.m.
Flexible acrobats offer a spectacular display of aerial artistry and gravity-defying skills. Spinning, flipping and bouncing around.

KidZone - 5-8 p.m.
As described by the festival, "An interactive area for our youngest concert-goers, the Kidzone tent provides a fun and safe area for children and their parents to discover and explore a wide variety of hands-on activities with different community partners. From getting temporary tattoos, creating homemade instruments, or jamming out rock band style, KidZone offers different nightly activities for families at Top of the Park. Open nightly ‘til 8:00 pm."


Top of the Park takes place in front of the Rackham Building on East Washington Street. In addition to the daily entertainment, a variety of local food vendors will also be on hand each night. For more information, see the Summer Festival website, and watch AnnArbor.com for complete coverage of festival events.


View Larger Map

MAINSTAGE TONIGHT

Al Green
Hill Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Tickets $35-$75, 734-764-2538 or www.annarborsummerfestival.org
Preview article from AnnArbor.com