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Posted on Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.

Take a break from the Ann Arbor Art Fair by taking in the entertainment around town

By Ann Dwyer

Even if you're not be in the market for art, the Ann Arbor Art Fair offers plenty of entertainment all over the city. If you've been afraid to come out this year, the Art Fair has been surprisingly easy to navigate as compared to some years. Plus, your chances of dying by heat stroke have gone down significantly.

With the stages near food carts, it's a great chance to try something new. Many of the local restaurants have set up booths and have upped the ante on festival street fare. But then again, how often are you allowed to eat funnel cake (put your hand down, IHOP)?

On the Fountain Stage at the Ingalls Mall, there will be entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The schedule will include the recently restored carillon bells, the Michigan Ballroom Dance Team, the Latin jazz sounds of the Blank-Walbridge Duo and more.

Over at Willard and Church streets, there will be entertainment from noon until 5 p.m. Lake Folk, Trinidad Tripoli Steel Band and NiteFlight guitarist Steve Springer, blues duo Shari Kane & Big Dave Steele and folk, jazz, and hip-hop quartet Wolfie Complex will perform.

Over by the food court at Liberty and Ashley, acts such as Hampshire, Passalacqua and the Bluesmatics will perform until 4:30 p.m.

There are also street performances as part of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. Mr. B and his “joybox” can be seen on North University Ave. Chapman stick player Bob Culbertson also will perform, along with George Tait. And just who is George Tait? He’s the guy standing in the middle of the street covered in grey paint.

All shows are free.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair ends at 6 p.m. Saturday.