By: Eric Czarnik | Sterling Heights Sentry | Published April 3, 2023
STERLING HEIGHTS — The city of Sterling Heights picked a singer with “Heart” to headline its annual summer Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair.
During a March 21 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, City Manager Mark Vanderpool introduced some of the acts and amenities that the festival plans to bring to its four stages during its July 27-29 run.
“A sure sign of summer is Sterlingfest, and a lot of people — thousands of residents — plan their summer around Sterlingfest,” he said.
And that itinerary included the scheduled performance of rock singer Ann Wilson from Heart on the event’s final night. She is known for performing songs like “Barracuda” and “Magic Man.”
During the council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski said she is excited at the chance to see Wilson, adding that she has long been a fan.
“You have no idea,” Sierawski said. “This girl, who has been playing guitar since she was 10 years old and singing and jamming, and I get to meet Ann Wilson? I’m in heaven.”
So far, the headline acts on the AT&T Main Stage include hip-hop tribute act Hip Hop Hooray, which will perform hits from the ’80s and ’90s during the event’s first night. The following night, rock band No Resolve will open for Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses fame. And then on the final night, Black Irish, featuring Tosha Owens, will open for Ann Wilson of Heart.
Other listed musical acts that will appear on other stages include BandWagon, Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations, Devyn Mitchell, Downriver Dan, Hughes/Smith Quintet, Jason Charboneau, Jeff Lehman, Jeff Tucker, Julie Haven, Keynote Sisters, Mark Clay, Meldrum Brothers, Motor City Josh and the Big 3, NKG, Pat Smillie, Patrick Score Quartet, The Persuasion Band, SpaceCat, Tosha Owens, The Whiskey Charmers, and Woodford Station.
In addition, a special Genisys Credit Union Kidzfest Stage will feature various music, magic, nature, clown and juggling acts.
When festivalgoers aren’t listening to music, they can be entertained by the annual festival’s usual offerings of carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, and food. The fair will also feature a Thursday night fireworks show sponsored by Christian Financial Credit Union.
The Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair will take place 10 a.m.-11 p.m. July 27-29. Learn more about the event and a more detailed list of events and musical acts by visiting sterlingfest.info. For other event information, call (586) 446-2700.