The second Saturday of July is especially busy in Cambridge City with activities including a downtown artisan fair and an evening concert.
Cambridge City Main Street is bringing a four-piece band that aims to get people out of their lawn chairs and dancing, or at least tapping their toes. Scott Ross opens the three-hour concert at 6 p.m. July 13 on a stage behind Cambridge City’s fire station, 127 W. Maple St.
Velvet Crush performs pop/rock hits from the 1970s to today by artists such as Backstreet Boys, Earth, Wind & Fire and Bruce Springsteen.
On its website, Velvet Crush describes itself as a “high production premiere dance entertainment group designed to put on the ultimate dance show” for weddings, private parties and corporate events.
Some contemporary songs they might feature include Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You,” Maroon 5’s “Sugar,” Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean” and Walk The Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance.”
Classic hits in Velvet Crush’s repertoire include “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf” and Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration.”
Video clips are at https://linktr.ee/velvet.crush.
Their recent or upcoming gigs include Beavercreek’s Independence Day celebration, West Carrollton’s Drone Show, German Luau in St. Bernard and events for U.S. Air Force, The Dayton Art Institute and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
Those attending should bring chairs, blankets or tailgate seating for the grassy area.
By choosing the second Saturday of each month for its concerts, Cambridge City Main Street is collaborating with local businesses that are offering a one-time artisan fair, along with its weekly farmers market.
CCMS leaders and entrepreneurs are hopeful that having concerts and special shopping and dining opportunities on one day will draw more people from around the region.
Merchants plan an artisan fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. downtown with more than 25 artisans selling wares and demonstrating skills. Several new vendors are expected. Some will offer seasonal items for yards, landscaping and porches.
Talents previously featured included light and jewelry makers, woodworking and visual art.
The artisan fair is free for browsers; those who want to sell items will need to register for a booth at 765-960-6340.
Six antique stores and boutiques are offering drawings for a $25 gift certificate.
The weekly farmers market will offer fresh produce from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in the lot next to American Legion Post 169 at 25 W. Church St. For information about the market, call 765-312-2762 or sidsteele2017@gmail.com.
What’s next
Another downtown activity and evening concert are planned in Cambridge City on the second Saturday of August.
The Junk in the Trunk sale will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 10, when businesses or individuals can rent space to sell new or used wares from truck beds, trailers, box trucks or trunks. The $25 spaces can be reserved by calling 765-960-6340. Proceeds will be used for Cambridge City billboards.
That night, Bluewater Kings Band will perform after Unusual Suspects at Creitz Park. Bluewater Kings performs current and classic country, rock, pop, Motown, funk and soul by artists ranging from Taylor Swift to Garth Brooks, Journey, Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra.
A version of this article appeared in the July 10 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.