Socially distanced music festival set to go in Madison Heights on Saturday – The Daily Tribune

About a dozen bands and musicians are set to take part in the Trail Tunes 2020 music festival in Madison Heights on Saturday.

The event takes place from 4-7 p.m. at the Civic Center Park behind City Hall on 13 Mile Road, east of John Road.

Besides musicians taking turns every half hour and performing along the one-mile trail, the festival will have three food trucks, a mobile escape room, and community groups with tables set up.

It is organized by Madison Heights Arts Board members Vita Palazzolo and City Councilman Mark Bliss.

“We’ll have everything from classical guitar to Top 40, a Latin bohemian group and even a couple metal bands,” Palazzolo said. “The basketball court will be turned into a dance floor.”

Though the event is free, attendees are asked to donate either money or non-perishable food items to the Madison Heights Food Pantry.

Live music can perhaps help people shake off some of the emotional and other pressures brought on since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the area about seven months ago, said Palazzolo, a percussionist.

“I was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago this month, and music has helped keep me grounded in my life and my faith,” she said. “The healing power of music is amazing. With the whole pandemic and people struggling with their jobs, I think this festival is going to be a way for them to come out to enjoy themselves and the music.”

Bliss said in a statement that community members responded after the event was first suggested.

“My inbox was filled with musicians and community groups that wanted to be a part of it,” he said, “not just because they love music, but because bringing the community together in a safe way is the first step in moving forward. Music heals, it inspires and brings people together.”

Bliss and Palazzolo hope to make the festival an annual event.

It’s also been popular with musicians who have lacked safe venues where they can perform during the pandemic.

“It will get us out of the house and back playing again after a months-long hiatus,” said Daniel Dobrovich, a member of Leisure Machine, one of the bands that will be performing. “This festival is the jumpstart we need to get us back to doing what we love.”