Blues and BBQ are the name of the game on July 14

Wixom residents are promised smoking hot entertainment, savory barbecue fare, and family-friendly activities during the Wixom Hot Blues and BBQ event slated for 5-10 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 at Sibley Square Park on Pontiac Trail.

The event, formerly known as the Wixom Showcase, is sponsored in part by Genisys Credit Union.

“Basically it’s the same type of festival, just with a different theme,” said Executive Director of Wixom Parks and Recreation Deanna Magee.

Ribs swathed in barbecue sauce and succulent chicken will tantalize the taste buds as Randy’s Roadhouse BBQ and Chef Noodles serve up top-notch summer favorites.

Other food vendors will be also be on hand, including Pita Wagon, offering an assortment of sandwiches; Marco’s Pizza, known for its mouth-watering pizzas; and Around Town Concessions, which will be selling nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, and lemonade.

“Everyone can enjoy our food vendors, as well as our downtown local businesses,” Magee said. “The festival is an open public event, but one we provide for the Wixom community.”

Adults can count on a beer and wine tent again this year.

Two bands will take the stage to perform their bluesy rock repertoires. From 5-7 p.m., the spotlight shines on the Randy Brock Group, which delivers heart-pumping performances and has been a staple of the Detroit area music scene for 12 years. The band has opened for some of the most legendary names in music such as Journey, Ted Nugent, Eddie Money and Credence Clearwater Revisited.

From 7:30-10 p.m., Michael May and the Messarounds — known as one of the best emerging bands in the area — will mesmerize crowds with muscular vocals.

The Messarounds perform interpretations of music greats such as Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, Sonny Boy II, Muddy Waters, William Clarke, Memphis Slim and John Popper.

The event will also provide kids activities that include putt putt golf, inflatables, mechanical bull rides, a climbing wall and carnival rides. Wrist bands to take part in those activities are $5.

Teens can show off their basketball skills at the Detroit Pistons and Shock Hoops Truck.