By Evelyn Cairns
The June calendar is bulging with outdoor concerts, festivals and other activities, including the popular Motor Muster and Independence Day celebration at Greenfield Village.
Among the concerts are performances to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 8 at the Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens under the sponsorship of the Conservatory Foundation. Tickets will cost $5 at the door, and refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
The first concert, on June 13, will feature the Girls’ Night Out band with Cliff Robinson on saxophone.
Also scheduled are The Three Bops, with vocalist Katelyn Philot, June 20; and Jerry McKenzie’s Just Jazz, highlighting clarinetist Dave Bennett, key-boardist Terry Lower and bassist Ray Tini on June 27.
A special July 4 concert will feature Red, White & Blues with the Amazing Wahoo Brothers. Hot dogs will be included in the $15 admission fee for that concert only.
A Sinatra Salute with Kevin Sands is planned for July 11; Rare Standard modern progressive jazz on July 18; jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon July 25; contemporary rhythm and blues jazz vocalist Penny Wells Aug. 1; and the Paul Keller Quartet, featuring Sarah D’Angelo, Aug. 8.
The Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is at 22314 Northline Road.
In the event of rain, the concerts will be held at Taylor Lanes, 24800 Eureka. For cancellation updates, call 888-383-4108.
Concerts in a Lincoln Park Music in the Park series will begin at 7:30 p.m. June 27 at Memorial Park, at Fort Street and London, with television personality Devin Scillian and the Arizona Son.
The concerts will continue on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. through Aug. 8 with no admission charge. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, a spokesman said.
Performing will be continue with Mood Swing (big band), June 28; Detroit Brass Society (Americana), July 5; Dr. Dixie and the Good Time Band (Dixieland), July 12; and Waco (country), July 19.
Also appearing will be Shepherd’s Folly (Irish and Celtic), July 26; Nine (classic rock), Aug. 2; and Little Davy & The Diplomats (variety), Aug. 9.
Arab Festival is scheduled
Middle Eastern merchandise, international entertainment, food booths and a carnival are among the attractions planned for the Arabic International Festival June 15 through 17 along Warren Avenue between Schaefer and Wyoming.
More than 300,000 people from the United States, Canada and the Middle East are expected to attend the annual event, according to spokeswoman Fay Beydoun, executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. There is no charge to attend the festival, and parking is free.
Many activities slated at event
The annual Motor Muster June 16 and 17 at Greenfield Village will offer not only displays of vehicles ranging from vintage automobiles to motorcycles and bicycles, but also parades, hands-on activities and a lot of entertainment.
Highlights of the event will include a music and comedy revue honoring composer George Gershwin, a play about Thomas Edison’s inventions and a show about Mark Twain’s beloved character Huckleberry Finn.
In addition, at 7 p.m. June 17, a live World War II USO show and radio broadcast will be recreated, complete with live music and dancing.
The activities are free with the cost of admission ($24, adults; $22, seniors; and $17.50, youths). Children 4 and younger are free.
For additional information, call 313-982-6001 or go to www.thehenryford.org.
Save the date . . .
June 25 — Annual Target Fireworks and rooftop-party fundraiser for the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation, with entertainment, music, food, games and activities; tickets are $200, adults; and $100, children 6 and under; for tickets or more information, call 313-923-7400, Ext. 244, or go to www.theparade.org.
June 30, July 1, 3, 4 — “Salute to America,” at Greenfield Village with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; American music, 19th Century lawn games, picnics, fireworks, food by The Henry Ford’s top chefs; for additional information, go to www.thehenryford.org.