TRAVERSE CITY -- From a ballroom dancing country singer to an "American Idol" contestant and rocking bands, the National Cherry Festival aims to offer something for every ear.
The festival promises eight days of music at its Bay Side Entertainment Stage at the Open Space in Traverse City, starting Saturday with Julianne Hough.
Hough, a professional dancer, twice won the television competition "Dancing with the Stars," and recently burst onto the country music scene (see sidebar).
The band The Lost Trailers opens at 7:30 p.m. for the bubbly blonde.
On Sunday, the festival offers "A Celebration of Faith," with Christian musicians performing after the air show. On the schedule are Krissy Nordhoff, Chris Sligh and Jared Anderson.
Nordhoff, originally from Allegan and now of Franklin, Tenn., brings the "acoustic-pop" sounds of her second full-length CD "Downpour." She said the album, which includes the Christian radio hit "Outrageous Love," is a blend of pop with "a little bit of a worship bent."
"The songs were kind of a celebration," said Nordhoff, who shares a story of her recovery from Lyme disease.
Sligh, an "American Idol" top 10 finalist, recently released his CD "Running Back to You." He appeared on the sixth season of the popular television talent search, where the bespectacled, curly haired Sligh gained notice for his wisecracks.
"It was a fantastic experience. I am looking forward to the days when we talk about Chris Sligh's music, but at the same time 'American Idol' is just such an incredible, incredible doorway to make it into music, so I am eternally grateful," he said.
Sligh found a "natural place" in Christian music, having grown up in church with missionary parents. But his pop-music background could broaden his appeal to a mainstream audience as well, he said. He plans to spend the next several months touring.
"It's an exciting time. The fans are really digging it," Sligh said.
The faith-filled music celebration is a good fit for the festival, where "many other types of music" can be heard, said DC Cavender, who helped book some of the acts.
"We hope that this becomes an annual event," Cavender said.
Local band Twisted Finster plays the festival stage Monday, followed by country artist James Otto Tuesday and popular repeat Beatles act 1964 The Tribute Wednesday. Down the Line of Chicago opens for alternative rockers the Gin Blossoms on July 10. The Gin Blossoms found success in the 1990s with songs including "Hey Jealousy," "Til I Hear It from You," and "Follow You Down."
The festival wraps up with performances by War on July 11, and Pink Floyd tribute band THINK Floyd USA on July 12.
A $10 entertainment pass grants daily admission to the concert area after 6 p.m. Headline acts start at 9 p.m. The Cherry Festival has 5,000 passes, which this year replace pins as entry into concerts. Individual tickets may be sold for some concerts. Commemorative pins priced at $5 also will be sold to qualify for grand prize giveaways. For more information on the concert schedule or on the pass, go to www.cherryfestival.org or call 947-4230.
National Cherry Festival
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