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07/06/2007Live entertainment front and centerNightly acts perform at Open Space
Kellie Pickler goes on stage at the National Cherry Festival next Friday, July 13. TRAVERSE CITY — Kenny Olson can barely contain the excitement in his voice when he talks about getting on stage with bassist Billy Cox and blues guitarist Eric Gale. In fact, he's even willing to make a few promises. "Once people hear Eric and I play guitar together, it's all over,” Olson said. "When Eric, Billy and I get playing, we could go on and on. I guarantee that no one will get let down or shortchanged.” Olson, a Traverse City native, returns to his roots Thursday, as part of the National Cherry Festival's weeklong live entertainment slot set for July 7-14, starting at 9 p.m each night in the Bay Side Entertainment Area. The former guitarist for Kid Rock will incorporate a Jimi Hendrix tribute as an encore to a set from his new band, The Flask. Cox played with Hendrix, most notably in the Band of Gypsys and at Woodstock, while Gale is on the Hendrix record label. Olson said it's special to convince two musicians with Cox and Gale's pedigrees to come out to Traverse City just for an encore performance. "It's an historic moment,” said Olson, who's been performing Hendrix tributes on and off for the past 10 years. "It's not something you see every night. I'm happy to be able to bring something like that to Traverse City.” While Olson, Cox and Gale might rock through the night, the rest of the Cherry Festival entertainment lineup hopes to keep everyone grooving all week long. Festival goers can purchase a $5 commemorative pin for week-long admission into the Bay Side Entertainment Area in the reconfigured Open Space. Here's how the week shakes up: Saturday, July 7, Ricochet will kick off the week of live entertainment. The five-member band boasts a five-part harmony. Ricochet has performed on the "NBC Tonight Show” and sung the National Anthem at numerous venues. Their classic song, "Daddy's Money,” is widely acclaimed in country music circles. Sunday, July 8, the Romantics take the stage. The '80s pop band is best known for its hit song, "That's What I Like About You.” The British-based band crossed the pond in the British Invasion, and their songs mirror their life experiences. Dickey Betts and Great Southern will perform Monday, July 9. Betts worked closely with the Allman Brothers until 2001 and brings that kind of Southern rock in his sets. His Southern drawl and guitar combine to create a soothing sound. Emerson Drive is slotted for Tuesday, July 10. The country music band has come a long way from humble roots in a high school talent show. Their first album featured the tracks "I Should Be Sleeping” and "Fall Into Me,” and they released a second independent album last year. Wednesday, July 11 brings back festival favorite 1964 The Tribute. The tribute band sings Beatles' hits and has continually drawn some of the largest crowds to the Open Space. Kenny Olson mans the stage Thursday, July 12 when he headlines for The Flask with a Jimi Hendrix tribute afterwards. Friday, July 13, Kellie Pickler will take her act from American Idol to the Bay Side stage. After her runner-up finish on the hit TV show, Pickler released her debut album, "Small Town Girl,” in October 2006. Marshall Crenshaw wraps up the Cherry Festival entertainment on Saturday, July 14. Crenshaw isn't confined by a specific genre of music. He slides from rock'n'roll to a little country and jazz among other styles. His hits include "Someday, Someway” and "What's In The Bag?” For more information, call 947-4230.
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