Candlebox headlines Kalamazoo Greek Festival

Contact: Deanne Puca
Photo of Candlebox.

Candlebox plays Saturday, June 8.

KALAMAZOO—U2 tribute band U2 Zoo and rock band Candlebox will be featured alongside traditional Greek fare at the 37th annual Kalamazoo Greek Festival Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8, at Arcadia Creek Festival Place.

Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, and admission is free until 4 p.m.

Thursday admission is $7 from 4 to 10:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday admission is $7 from 4 to 7 p.m. and $12 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

After 7 p.m., people younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

U2 Zoo will perform Friday from 10 to 11:30 p.m. The Wisconsin-based band has been performing U2 hits for more than a decade.

Seattle-based Candlebox takes the stage Saturday from 10 to 11:30 p.m.

Candlebox signed to Madonna's Maverick Records and released its self-titled debut in 1993. The album included the hits "Far Behind" and "You." The band, fronted by Kevin Martin, released two follow-up albums, "Lucy" in 1995 and "Happy Pills" in 1998. Candlebox split in 2000, but reunited in 2006 when it released a greatest hits album. The band, still fronted by Martin, released its latest album, "Love Stories & Other Musings," last year. The band is touring in 2013 as part of its 20th anniversary.

The festival also will offer more traditional Greek entertainment during the day, including several performances from Detroit's The Levendes, a full Greek orchestra that will be accompanied by Greek dancers and belly dancers, as well as a slew of authentic Greek food and beverages.

The festival's main staple—handmade food from Stacy Skartsiaris, owner of Theo & Stacy's Restaurant—will include popular items such as loukoumathes, a dessert similar to an elephant ear that is deep-fried and covered with honey and cinnamon; mousaka, a Greek casserole; spinach pie; grape leaves; and Skartsiaris' cookies.

Alcohol will include Ouzo, a Greek licorice liquor, and the Dionysos Wine Garden featuring Greek wines.

For more information, visit kalamazoogreekfest.com.