Cherry Fest Test

CODY EWERS
cewers@record-eagle.com

September 18, 2009 04:40 pm

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The National Cherry Festival and affiliates will rock Traverse City with this year's Bay Side Music Stage that will feature eight nights of live entertainment, set to run from July 4-11.

Returning to the music portion of the festival is the 2009 Bay Side Music Stage 'V-Pass' sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the official sponsor of the festival.

There is a limited number of V-Passes allowing holders guaranteed all-access entry to each of the eight nights of entertainment for $15. The passes can be purchased online at www.cherryfestival.org, by visiting the festival headquarters at 250 East Front Street, Suite 301 or by calling (231) 947-4230.

"This is the second year we've done the V-Pass because it was met with such great enthusiasm last year," said Susan Wilcox Olsen, Media Relations Representative from the Cherry Festival. "The Bay-side venue brings entertainment of all ages so we can provide a quality experience for everyone."

The music portion kicks off on July 4 with legendary blues guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd featured on the Pepsi-Verizon Wireless Bay Side Music Stage, presented by Blue Cross/Blue Shield Care Network of Michigan, Charter Communications and TV 7&4.

Shepherd recently finished a tour of America's backlands with a portable recording studio and documentary team to bring to light the last of America's authentic blues musicians. His appearance in Traverse City is part of a tour promoting the Grammy-nominated DVD/CD project entitled "10 Days Out: Blues from the Backroads."

Local bands will also be in the mix as Northern Michigan's own rock-and-rollers Twisted Finster will perform Sunday evening, July 5, thanks to the sponsorship of UV Vodka.

The Cherry Festival will honor the service of our country's military personnel with "A Salute to Heros" day on Monday.

The Northwestern Michigan College's Community Band will entertain guests with patriotic tunes, as all heroes from active duty and veterans to emergency and first responder personnel will be recognized with free admission to the Stage, and graced with a Festival Heroes' Medallion to signify their status.

The week will rock on with Billy Squier performing hits from his famous album, "Emotions in Motion" on Tuesday night and 1964 The Tribute band playing Beatles-era favorites Wednesday.

New Jersey native Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will perform Thrusday night and country music star Sammy Kershaw will please crowds on Friday.

America's number 1 Pink Floyd show, THINK Floyd USA -- a tribute to Pink Floyd is back by popular demand.

They will finish off the week with a powerful concert playing the most popular hits from the British super-band underneath an exploding sky as the Festival Fireworks Finale will launch at dusk during their concert, signifying an end to the 83rd National Cherry Festival.

"Think Floyd should be an incredible and highly enthusiastic concert," Olsen said. "Its a great close to a typically terrific event. Especially as they play through the fireworks."''