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Wednesday, 8 July, 2009 3:50 PM

5th Annual Townie Street Party to kick off the 50th Anniversary Street Art Fair

Under the big tents on Ingalls Mall and North University St. Monday, July 13, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM - FREE

Logo credit: aagallery.aadl.org

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It's the official opening event of the Ann Arbor Art Fairs, with lots of music, food, and fun! Come kick up your heels and break in your dancing shoes in preparation for the 50th Anniversary Street Art Fair. A terrific line up of nationally known local musicians will be on hand to help us launch the festivities, presented in partnership with The Ark.

Bill Kirchen and the Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods, with special guest George Bedard, reunite in Ann Arbor to celebrate an American musical tradition where country music draws upon its origins in blues and bluegrass, and in the Western swing of Texas and California honky tonks. Don’t miss this one-night-only performance at the Townie Street Party!

Third Coast Kings are a proper deep funk and soul outfit with an explosive sonic force that is guaranteed to make you move. The Kings bring the tradition of sixties and seventies funk groups to a live audience that might otherwise only be heard on dusty 45's.

Michael Smith and His Cadillac Cowboys have been playing their brand of Swing ‘n’ Roll in and around Ann Arbor since the 70s. The Cowboys were one of the signature acts showcased on the Street Art Fair’s Graceful Arch Stage in the 70s, and we are thrilled to welcome them back 30 years later.

The 3rd Ever Kid’s Art Fair: Children ages 6-14 from Washtenaw County are invited to submit their artwork to be juried for a chance to sell their work at the Townie Street Party. This is a great chance to see the jurying process at work – and a unique opportunity for kids to talk about their work with nationally recognized Art Jurors. Jury sessions are at the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pittsfield Branch during the following two times: Thursday, May 28, 5-8pm and Sunday, May 31, 1-4pm.

Townie County Hall: A unique opportunity to meet and network with representatives from Washtenaw County towns as they highlight what’s special in their community. In addition, the Street Art Fair’s Community Partners will be offering activities and passing out all kinds of fun freebies.

Creative Connections: In partnership with the Ann Arbor Art’s Alliance, Creative Connections at the Townie Street Party showcases area arts and cultural organizations. The tent includes everything from art galleries to local symphonies, theater companies to artist collectives – be sure to visit this vibrant tent!

Zero Waste Initiative: Currently in the second year of a two year initiative, the Street Art Fair and Townie Street Party will continue to collect and recycle glass, plastic, aluminum and paper, as well as introduce bulk water delivery and food waste composting. In partnership with A2H20, fire hydrants will be tapped and the water cooled to provide free drinking water refills to party goers. In addition, all of the Townie Food Vendors will be serving their food on compostable table ware so that we can send even less waste to the land fill this summer.

The Kid’s ArtZone: provides free “make and take” activities for younger children and their families. In keeping with our Zero Waste goals, the activities utilize reused and repurposed materials and encourage interaction with the natural environment. Projects include recycled tube rain sticks, milk carton birdhouses, recycled paper bag hats, and bottle cap necklaces.

Bring the family, because the Townie Street Party is the place to for all ages. Everyone is a Townie at the Townie Street Party!
For more information, please go to: www.artfair.org