Cleary University is turning back time to celebrate “Totally ’80” Summerfest, a blast from the past that features nostalgic music, food, drinks and plenty of high-energy fun, all to raise money for Cleary students needing financial assistance.
The fourth annual Summerfest fundraiser is set for 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Lake Trust Stadium on the Cleary University campus.
Summerfest, considered one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, spotlights a night filled with unforgettable pop culture moments from the 80s. Guests are encouraged to dress in bold ‘80s fashion styles such as giant shoulder pads, neon leg warmers, acid-wash jeans, tight pants, big hair, and the Blues Brothers’ coveted Ray-Bans, which epitomize this decade’s casual-cool vibe. Or, come as you are to celebrate summer at the stadium.
The party begins at 6 p.m. with these food trucks are on hand to serve guests until 10 p.m.:
• The Drunken Rooster in metro Detroit: tacos with a Mediterranean twist
• Hami’s Pizza in Howell: stone-fired pineapple express and vegetarian pizza
• Hickory BBQ & Grill in Brighton: chicken sliders and pulled pork mac and cheese
• Clancy’s Kitchen at Cleary: mini corn dogs and loaded tots
You can also stop by one of many summer cocktail stations to quench your thirst throughout the evening.
Entertainment begins at 6:15 pm with Barleyon, the opening act, which will perform until 7 p.m. Barelyon is a Detroit-based garage-soul duo formed by Leona CW from New York City and Brion RGB from Detroit. Their music is described as a mix of soulful pop rock with garage and R&B influences.
Headliners for this year’s Summerfest are The Mega 80s, known as the “ultimate ‘80s tribute band,” who will entertain guests from 7:30-9:30 p.m. This high-energy group of musicians recreates the sounds and style of 1980s pop, rock and hair bands. They tour throughout the United States.
Fireworks at dusk, provided by Dueling Dragons, will conclude the step back in time evening of entertainment.
Special thanks go to these Summerfest premier sponsors:
• Lake Trust Credit Union
• Michigan Planners
• Trinity Health Livingston
Clancy Club sponsors are:
• Bob Maxey Ford/Lincoln
• CEI
• Cleary & McKenny Families
Cougar Country sponsors include:
• Bank of Ann Arbor-Livingston
• Chem-Trend
• Dave’s Hot Chicken
• Determined
• DisplayMax
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Medline
• Mike Mast
• MS Ultrasonic
Summerfest proceeds benefit Cleary’s Gift of Graduation, a scholarship fund designed to help students close to graduation who need financial assistance to complete their degree.
Summerfest tickets are $60 a person, or $30 for designated drivers. Admission includes the two concert performances, games supplied by Howell Parks and Recreation, and food and drink tastings (soft drinks for designated drivers). The entire community (age 21 and older) is invited.
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cleary.edu/SUMMERFEST
For sponsorship information and VIP tickets, contact Katee Cole at kcole@cleary.edu.
For more information on Gift of Graduation, visit www.cleary.edu/gift-of-graduation-scholarship/
Cleary University is located at 3750 Cleary Drive, off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson Road in Howell.
