Durham Band

All this talk about a "Durham Renaissance," and you still think it's that hippie caftan shop on 9th Street? This Saturday is a chance to get your first sloppy mouthful of Durham at the Durham Band Showcase. Put on by the Durham Association of Downtown Arts (DADA), the show will run noon to midnight at Durham Central Park, is free to the public and will host at least 13 bands from the area. (And no, I didn't know there's a Central Park here either, but apparently it's on Foster Street, near the Hunt Avenue intersection and across from the Liberty Warehouses.)

DADA's mission for the event is not only to promote artists but also venues and public space, and accordingly, the park itself is almost as much an attraction as the bands--expect art installations, drum circles, a kiddie tent and an "artistic miniature golf course." (Avant Putt-Putt is so hot right now.)

Oh, and the bands!: an interesting mix of indie (Topography), hip hop (Section 8, Durty Nation) and kickass femme punk (The Butchies, verging on rumors of impending breakup). The last showcase drew a full crowd despite the rain and a changed venue--this one also promises to be an excellent community event.

--Greg Bloom