Top of the Park wraps up Sunday with Cairn to Cairn, Mr. B's Joybox Express, George Bedard & the Kingpins, "West Side Story"
Sunday, July 11 marks the final night of Top of the Park until next year.
Here's an introduction to the acts appearing at ToP — the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's free, outdoor component, held outside the Rackham Building, on East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall.
A special taping of the "Acoustic Cafe" radio show takes place at 4 p.m. The KidZone Tent is open from 5-8 p.m.
The evening's headline attractions:
Cairn to Cairn Rackham Stage, 5 p.m.
Cairn to Cairn features the forces of poet/guitarist Terry Farmer, vocalist and flute virtuoso Kelly McDermott, and jazz bassist Rob Crozier. These talents merge to create an eclectic blend of folk and Celtic fusion.Listen to Cairn to Cairn "Cannily Cannily" (MP3).Performing since: 2007 Home base: Ann Arbor Style of music: Fusion of traditional and original music Members: Terry Farmer, guitarist/poet; Kelly McDermott, flute and vocals; Rob Crozier, bass Pre-show ritual: We make a circle, close our eyes, and set our intentions to a positive vibe. Favorite road food: Maker’s Mark bourbon. Desert island disc: Terry's pick - Bob Dylan "Blood on the Tracks" Best thing about Ann Arbor: The graceful people.
Mr. B's Joybox Express Rackham Stage, 6:30 p.m. Read a feature story from AnnArbor.com
Join legendary blues and boogie-woogie pianist Mark Lincoln Braun (aka Mr. B) as he brings his show — via his amazing piano-bicycle — to Top of the Park on the festival's closing night! Prior to his Ingalls Mall arrival, his "Joybox" (early American slang for a piano) will shake, rattle and roll across the state on a custom-designed bicycle frame, as he entertains the people he meets and performs at charitable events along the way.Listen to Mr. B "Hallelujah Train" (MP3).Style of music: Standard piano/bike repertoire Members: Mr. B, Pete Siers, Brian Delaney, Carl Hildebrandt Pre-show ritual: Pedal... play... pedal... play. Favorite road food: Handouts. Desert island disc: Ed Wynn and the Schwinn City Swingers. Best thing about Ann Arbor: Boogie Woogie Red at the Blind Pig Cafe circa 1970s.
More info: Website
George Bedard and the Kingpins Rackham Stage, 8 p.m.
In what has become an annual tradition, George Bedard and the Kingpins will close Top of the Park and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival season with their swinging and crowd pleasing music. George Bedard has been a key figure on the Michigan roots-rock scene for decades. His energetic guitar playing and gutsy vocals keep him on the short list of the area's most popular performers.Listen to George Bedard and the Kingpins "Tight Shoes" (MP3).Performing since: 1970. Home base: Ann Arbor. Style of music: American roots (blues, swing, rockabilly). Members: George Bedard, guitar and vocals; Richard Dishman, drums; Randy Tessier, bass. Pre-show ritual: Show up. Favorite road food: Truffles. Desert island disc: Charlie Christian. Best thing about Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
More info: Facebook
Movie: "West Side Story" (1961, PG, 152 minutes) Ingalls Mall, 10 p.m.
One of the all-time great movie musicals features a modern-day "Romeo and Juliet" story set in New York, with a score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno.
Watch a "West Side Story" trailer: