Local Live Entertainment to Highlight CBS5 Tempe Town Lake July 4th Festival

Bands Tuning Up to Play at the State’s Biggest and Best Independence Day Festival

TEMPE, Arizona – Some of the best local bands in Arizona are getting ready to entertain a big crowd this year at the 57th Annual CBS5 Tempe Town Lake July 4th Festival, presented by TruWest Credit Union and produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe. Live music will kick-off in the afternoon with the smoothest singers performing at the biggest Independence Day celebration in the state.

“We have some amazingly talented performers and bands in Arizona and it’s always fun to showcase them at Tempe’s July 4th festival,” said Mike Cryer, Kiwanis Club of Tempe member. “We love to introduce the audience to new music and bring back some of the crowd favorites.”

Scottsdale singer and songwriter James Kole will open the festivities at 4 p.m. with his rockabilly singing style and a swagger to match. Kole released his latest CD, Best of James Kole, in 2007, his seventh CD to date. The Minnesota native moved to Arizona in 1999 and has been performing and writing music for songs and films ever since.

Next on the bill is Arizona’s best funk-soul-rock sextet Calumet, taking the stage at 5 p.m. The band has made musical appearances in venues across the state and has even been honored in the 2007 Phoenix New Times Best Blues/Jazz Category. Self-proclaimed “funkateers,” the six band members of Calumet have covered numerous hit songs and are currently working on their third CD. Calumet’s funky and positive-vibe music will get fans groovin’ as they enjoy the show.

The well-known local band G.A.S., Gear Acquisition Syndrome, will follow at 6 p.m. G.A.S. appeared at the event last year and was so well-received that they were asked to return for the 2008 festival. The band has opened for several high-profile shows in the Valley, including Martina McBride. The five band members all have extensive musical backgrounds, and are sure to impress yet again at this year’s performance.

Headlining the July 4th festival at 8 p.m., after an amazing performance at the event last year, is Chris Parker Project – a local cover band that finds a way to please the musical tastes of all its fans and audiences. Headed by radio station Mix 96.9′s morning host, Chris Parker, the highly popular band has made a name for itself by performing in the nightclub scene across Arizona. Chris Parker Project has shared a stage with bands such as The Fixx, Tears For Fears and, most notably, Maroon 5. The high-energy band will play before the fantastic firework display and then will come back for an encore at 10 p.m.

The CBS5 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival will feature great food and drinks, activities for all ages, and a fireworks display that tops any other show in Arizona. For the past 57 years the annual fundraiser has raised millions of dollars that benefit organizations serving children in the Tempe area. At last year’s event about $90,000 was raised that was distributed as grants to nearly 20 different organizations.

For more information, including a complete list of the entertainment and activities, visit http://www.tempe4th.com/ or call 480-350-5189.

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