Cleary hosts summer party of the year, “totally 80s” style

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
May 27, 2026
 
CONTACT:
Brett Rogers
Director of Marketing
800-686-1883 x.1558
brogers@cleary.edu
 
Cleary hosts summer party of the year, “totally 80s” style
 
(HOWELL, MI) Cleary University will turn back time on Friday, June 12, to celebrate “Totally 80s” Summerfest, a blast from the past that features nostalgic music, food, drinks and plenty of high-energy fun, all to raise money for Cleary students needing financial assistance.
 
The fourth annual Summerfest fundraiser will take place Friday, June 12, from 6 pm to 10 pm at Lake Trust Stadium, located on the Cleary University campus.
 
Summerfest, considered one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, spotlights a night filled with unforgettable pop culture moments from the 80s. Guests are encouraged to dress in bold fashion styles such as giant shoulder pads, neon leg warmers, acid-wash jeans, tight pants big hair, and the Blues Brothers’ coveted Ray-Bans, which epitomize this decade’s casual-cool vibe. Or, come as you are to celebrate summer at the stadium.
 
The party begins at 6 pm.
 
These food trucks are on hand to serve guests from 6 pm to 10 pm:
 

• The Drunken Rooster in metro Detroit: tacos with a Mediterranean twist
• Hami’s Pizza in Howell: stone-fired pineapple express and vegetarian pizza
• Hickory BBQ & Grill in Brighton: chicken sliders and pulled pork mac and cheese
• Clancy’s Kitchen at Cleary: mini corn dogs and loaded tots

 
Stop by one of many summer cocktail stations to quench your thirst throughout the evening.
 
Entertainment begins at 6:15 pm with Barleyon, the opening act, who will perform until 
 
Barelyon is a Detroit-based garage-soul duo formed by Leona CW from New York City and Brion RGB from Detroit. Their music is described as a mix of soulful pop rock with garage and R&B influences.
 
Headliners for this year’s Summerfest are The Mega 80s, known as the “ultimate 80s tribute band,” who will entertain guests from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. This high-energy group of musicians recreates the sounds and style of 1980s pop, rock and hair bands. They tour throughout the United States.
 
Fireworks at dusk, provided by Dueling Dragons, will conclude the step back in time evening of entertainment.
 
Special thank yous go to these Summerfest premier sponsors:
 

• Lake Trust Credit Union
• Michigan Planners
• Trinity Health Livingston

 
Clancy Club sponsors are:
 

• Bob Maxey Ford/Lincoln
• CEI
• Cleary & McKenny Families

 
Cougar Country sponsors include:
 

• Bank of Ann Arbor-Livingston
• Chem-Trend
• Dave’s Hot Chicken
• Determined
• DisplayMax 
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Medline
• Mike Mast
• MS Ultrasonic

Summerfest proceeds benefit Cleary's Gift of Graduation, a scholarship fund designed to help students close to graduation who need financial assistance to complete their degree.
 
Summerfest tickets are $60 a person, or $30 for designated drivers. Admission includes the two concert performances, games supplied by Howell Parks and Recreation, and food and drink tastings (soft drinks for designated drivers). The entire community (age 21 and older) is invited.
 
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.cleary.edu/SUMMERFEST
 
For sponsorship information and VIP tickets, contact Katee Cole at kcole@cleary.edu.
 
For more information on Gift of Graduation, visit www.cleary.edu/gift-of-graduation-scholarship/
 
Cleary University is located at 3750 Cleary Drive, off Grand River Avenue and west of Latson Road in Howell.

MAIN CAMPUS // 3750 CLEARY DRIVE, HOWELL MI 48843
DETROIT EDUCATION CENTER // 2470 COLLINGWOOD ST, DETROIT, MI 48206
CLEARY.EDU. 800-686-1883