Views

Top of the Park

From ArborWiki

Top of the Park (TOP) is the annual admission free outdoor music and movie series produced by the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. For the first 24 years, it was traditionally held on top of the parking structure between the Power Center and the Dental School, but is now at Ingalls Mall in front of the steps at Rackham Graduate School. The 26th season will take place June 12-July 5, 2009.

The social event of the summer for Michigan residents, Top of the Park defines everything Ann Arbor: diverse, kinetic, friendly and unique. For the 3 1/2 weeks that the Festival runs, they have 50 bands and 16 movies on stage outside on Ingalls Mall. From popular rock bands, to emerging local artists, TOP offers local and international musicians an ideal setting to showcase their talent.

In addition, the Festival is now offering activities and workshops for patrons of all ages. The KidZone at the Top of the Park provides an exciting and safe arena for children to discover and explore a wide variety of fun and educational activities, games, and toys. Every night, parents and children come to play, learn, and enjoy the concrete outdoors. The Grassrootz Stage is an emerging artist stage specifically designed to showcase fresh talent. Programmed by and for young adults, this informal, unplugged space will feature an eclectic mix of homegrown artists in a teen-friendly environment. The festival anticipates partnering with local arts and cultural organizations to schedule activities, workshops and special events throughout the 2009 season.

For the 21 and over crowd, TOP has a sectioned-off area where alcoholic beverages are sold. From beer and wine, to splits of champagne, there is sure to be a beverage of choice for young and seasoned professionals alike. For the 2008 season, the Festival expanded their beer garden to include a shaded area behind the private party tents where folks can linger and socialize under the stars and twinkly lights. Appropriately coined "The Grotto", this area is perfect for a group of friends or co-workers to gather after work for a drink and some lively entertainment.

Local restaurant vendors offer everything from organic pizza to Baba Ghanoug on the Culinary Row. Cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn are sold as an accompaniment to the late night movies that take the screen weeknights (Sunday-Thursday) on a 24 foot inflatable movie screen.

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is not only about Top of the Park. Their Mainstage series presents artists from across the globe-from Mikhail Baryshnikov to Gilberto Gil. In support of their international programs and to celebrate the diversity Ann Arbor community, they throw a series of Global Parties at Top of the Park that spotlight different cultural heritages. Free outdoor performances and demonstrations by local artists with colorful parades, street dancing, and hands-on activities and workshops.

AASF says,

Whether you come before or after a Mainstage (indoor and ticketed) performance at the Power Center or Hill Auditorium, or simply to hang out on a warm starry night, bring your family and friends for a fun-filled evening of eclectic entertainment and lasting Ann Arbor memories. Grab dinner on Culinary Row and support your local businesses. Grab a beer in the Grotto and help keep TOP free (all the proceeds go towards the cost of running the event!). Nothing beats a lazy summer evening under the stars filled with great entertainment and even better people watching!

TOP is supported by individual donations and local corporate sponsorships, so admission is always free. A suggested donation of $3.00/night/person is appreciated. The Festival exhorts, "Give 3, keep TOP Free!".