World music, urban acrobats on the lawn, 'An American in Paris' and more
Tonight is Day 17 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
6:30-8 p.m. - KidZone - kids activity tent
6:30-8 p.m. - Wind Down Wednesday - wine tasting
6:30 p.m. - One Love Reggae Band - reggae/pop/world
7:30 p.m. - Tom Tom Crew lawn teaser - urban circus
8 p.m. - Rupa & the April Fishes - jazz/Latin
10 p.m. - Movie: "An American In Paris"
ENTERTAINMENT DETAILS
One Love Reggae Band - 6:30 p.m.
Authentic roots rock reggae combining harmonious rhythms and smooth lyricism. This six-piece from Detroit has an undeniable chemistry.
Tom Tom Crew lawn teaser - 7:30 p.m.
Main-stage artists Tom Tom Crew give a free demonstration of acrobatics, tumbling and circus skills at Top of the Park as a sneak-peek to their indoor show on July 7 and 8 in the Power Center at 8 p.m. Read more in this preview from AnnArbor.com.
Rupa & the April Fishes - 8 p.m.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rupa & the April Fishes create music that blurs geography and genre. Their critically acclaimed debut album, "eXtraOrdinary rendition," echoes with influences of French chanson, Argentinean tango, Gypsy swing, American folk, Latin cumbias, and even Indian ragas. Lead singer Rupa Marya mesmerizes audiences as she moves easily between lyrics sung in Spanish, French, Hindi, and English, and is expertly backed up by a band boasting cello, accordion, guitar, trumpet, upright bass and drums.
Movie: "An American In Paris" - 10 p.m.
1951, unrated, 113 minutes: Vincente Minnelli's unforgettable classic stars Gene Kelly as Gerry, an American expatriate painter in post-WWII Paris. Struggling to find success in both art and love, his life is turned upside down when he meets and falls in love with Lise (Leslie Caron). This lavish musical won the Best Picture Oscar in 1951 with its straightforward story, gorgeous dance sequences, and beautiful, frequently melancholic Gershwin score. A dance extravaganza that is sure to wow the whole family. This film will be presented with closed captions.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
WInd Down Wednesday - 6:30-8 p.m.
For a $10 tasting fee, attendees can sample up to three different wines from the evening’s featured selection. Tastings include wine, descriptive tasting notes, and wine experts to educate on the featured selections. In addition, drink specials on each of that evening's presented wines in The Grove until 9 p.m. for all participants. Tonight's feature: wines from Argentina. 21+; limited capacity.
KidZone - 6:30-8 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."
Special note — free wifi:
New this year, AnnArbor.com in partnership with 20/20 Communications is providing free public WiFi access utilizing WiMax services broadcast from the top of Tower Plaza at Top of the Park for the duration of the 2011 Summer Festival. Look for the AnnArbor.com Public WiFi SSID and get connected!
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.
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