with multimedia: Sunday's Top of the Park: Ariel & Zoey (Eli, too), Black Jake & the Carnies, Greensky Bluegrass, "Sherlock Holmes"
Here's an introduction to the acts appearing Sunday, June 27 at Top of the Park — the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's free, outdoor component, held outside the Rackham Building, on East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall. And don't forget the Top of the Park Photo Contest, presented by AnnArbor.com for the festival.
As a special attraction, Planet Rock is hosting a 25-foot climbing wall from 5-9 p.m. The KidZone Tent is open from 5-8 p.m.
In addition, Sunday marks the second special "Acoustic Cafe @ Top of the Park" taping of a syndicated radio show, with a guest to be announced, at 4 p.m. Seating is limited.
Other headline attractions:
Ariel & Zoey (Eli, too) Rackham Stage, 5 p.m.
Ann Arbor's own Ariel, Zoey and Eli Engelbert will be kicking off the concert tour at the Top of the Park to support their upcoming television show — "Ariel & Zoey (Eli, too)". The show will be nationally syndicated in September 2010, and this performance will be featured on the television show.Listen to a sample of an Ariel & Zoey song (MP3).Performing since: 2007 Home base: The center of the Universe, Ann Arbor Style of music: Indie pop (originals)/family favorites (covers)/patriotic Members: Ariel, Zoey and Eli Engelbert (plus Steve Fentriss). Pre-show ritual: Domino's Pizza by the hotel pool. Favorite road food: Cracker Barrel (Hey, where else can you get hush puppies, listen to Dolly and buy those liquid filled wax bottles?) Desert island disc: Cosgrove, Clarkson, Bon Jovi, Swift and Archuleta. Best thing about Ann Arbor: Cake Nouveau, Lucy Ann, The Michigan Theater and, of course, Top of the Park!
Black Jake & the Carnies Rackham Stage, 6:15 p.m.
Ypsilanti’s Black Jake & the Carnies race through bluegrass-flavored songs as if they have a jug of moonshine in one hand and a bottle of amphetamines in the other. If you like punk and bluegrass music, and you have an open mind, Black Jake & the Carnies will be a musical mash-up treat.Listen to Black Jake & the Carnies "No Diamond Ring" (MP3).Performing since: Created in 2002, performing regularly since November 2006 Home base: Ypsilanti Style of music: Crabgrass Members: Black Jake, banjo, vocals; Joe Cooter, bass; Gus, fiddle; Zach Pollock, mandolin; Billy "The Kingpin" LaLonde, drums/washboard, vocals; JC Miller, accordion. Pre-show ritual: Laughter, nervous pacing, chain smoking, and Gold Bond. Favorite road food: Beef jerky and pork rinds — preferably local or homemade. Desert island disc: If there were no women on the island, Beach Boys greatest hits. If there were women, Sam and Dave's greatest hits. Best thing about Ann Arbor: The whole city seems geared towards keeping you outside. All the parks, sidewalk seating at restaurants, public art; there's no reason to stay indoors for any longer than it takes to do a little shopping or catch a movie. And, living next door in Ypsi!
Black Jake & the Carnies performing Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" live:
Greensky Bluegrass Rackham Stage, 8 p.m.
Like a breath of fresh air, Greensky Bluegrass plays traditional bluegrass instruments and uses them to create original songs and sound-scapes that are unique and new, yet somehow feel comfortable and familiar. This band is a regional favorite, gaining attention in the national jam band scene.Listen to Greensky Bluegrass "Reverend" (MP3).Performing since: 2000 Home base: Kalamazoo Style of music: Bluegrass/rock/country Members: Anders Beck, Dave Bruzza, Michael Arlen Bont, Michael Devol, & Paul Hoffman. Pre-show ritual: Sacred geometry, walking taco, & bourbon with ginger from someone's garden. Favorite road food: The Red Iguana in Salt Lake City Desert island disc: Phish at The Roxy in Atlanta, Georgia, 2/20/93 — Both discs please... but second set if it's just one. Dang. Best thing about Ann Arbor: Matthew Altruda. He da man!
Greensky Bluegrass performing live in Telluride earlier this year:
Movie: "Sherlock Holmes" (2009, PG-13, 128 minutes) Ingalls Mall, 10 p.m.
In this well-received modern take — with Robert Downey as the great detective — Holmes and Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England.
Watch the "Sherlock Holmes" trailer:
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