Under the BIG TOP the unbelievable happens!
GARY L. WASSERMAN PRESENTS
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Oleniczak. "In fact, some of the
people who debuted at the out-
door venue moved on to become
big stars; but they still come
, back because they want to sup-
rt us," she says, adding that
it costs over $100,000 just to run
the Top of the Park.
This year, more than 60,000
visitors are expected to attend
the festival, which is celebrating
its 13th season. In addition to
the entertainment, free hands-
on workshops are offered for the
hole family.
Kicking off the festival's main
attraction lineup on June 15 are
the Chenille Sisters, who orga-
nizers say always draw a big
crowd. The gifted trio — Cheryl
Dawdy, Connie Huber and
Grace Morand — debuted in
1985 on a stage in Ann Arbor,
/-where they played the Old
Town.
Who are the other big draws?
"Without hesitation, Johnny
Cash is getting the most atten-
tion," says Jim Reece, president
of the festival. "It's his first Ann
Arbor appearance, and we are
delighted to have him. And we
particularly pleased because
he is bringing his whole family."
Alternative songstress Lisa
Loeb, whose single "Stay (I
Missed You)" reached Bill-
board's No. 1 spot, is another
first-timer to the festival who is
guaranteed to bring the teen and
college-age set. She will be
backed by an orchestra made up
of local students and profes-
sionals.
But it's not just the big-name
talent that makes this event a
success year after year. It's the
diverse lineup that has become
the hallmark of the festival. "We
like to take some risks," says Re-
ece. "This year, for example, we
have the Trinity Irish Dance
Company, an internationally fa-
mous group of young dancers
with amazing footwork. We also
have the Urban Bush Women, a
troupe of African-American
women who, through dance, il-
lustrate all facets of life."
Of course, there are the Capi-
tol Steps, the humorous politi-
cal satirists who are becoming a
real tradition for the Ann Arbor
festival scene. "Their agent au-
tomatically reserves July 4 for
us," says Reece. Rain or shine,
the shows will go on. "We have
gone every year for the past sev-
en years and we love it," says Dr.
Michael Frank, a dermatologist
from West Bloomfield.
"Ann Arbor is only 45
minutes away, a shorter
distance than downtown
Detroit and well worth
the drive." ❑
14 MILE JUST OFF 1-75 • UNDER THE AIR CONDITIONED BIG TOP TENT • FREE PARKING
Join our international circus stars as they tumble, flip & fly through the air
while elephants prance & horses dance to the glorious sounds of the 1920s!
FESTIVAL
MASTER
CLASSES
Tickets from $10 to $25 now at all
outlets • Charge by phone (810) 645-6666
Circus site box office opens June 7 • For information call (313) 923-8259
'Discounts not combinable • Subject to limited availability • Group sales 120 or more) call 1810) 528-2255 • Big Apple Circus is a not-for-profit performing arts organization
($10 EACH)
Tuesday, June 25, 10:30
a.m. Dance Gallery Stu-
dio. Modern dance
master class with Pe-
ter Sparling.
Friday, June 28, 11 am. Power Center Re-
hearsal Room. Learn from the jazz mas-
ters with piano virtuoso, Dr. Billy Taylor
and his trio.
Tuesday, July 2, 3 p.m. Power Center Theatre. Rock and classical techniques are com-
bined in this lecture/demonstration master class with the Hampton String Quartet,
Friday, July 5, 4 p.m. Power Center Theatre. Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nou-
veau Band host this jazz master class.
FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS (FREE)
Monday, June 17, time TBA, Power Center Rehearsal Room. Fun-filled acrobatic the-
ater workshop with cast of Mur-Mur (The Wall).
Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m. Power Center Rehearsal Room. Learn the rhythm and beat
of African dance with the Urban Bush Women.
Monday, June 24, time and location TBA. Learn the history of gospel at this workshop
with Sisters of Glory.
1 Ticket prices vary for Power Center performances. To order, call the
Ann Arbor Summer Festival Box Office at (313) 764-2538.
AN INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM FESTIVAL EVENT
(D^°50
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Greatest flits of the ;Vs
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For information or referral, call JIS, (810) 967 - HELP (4357);
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politan Detroit.
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