American graffiti

When was the last time you saw a “battle for spray-can supremacy?” Never? Thought so. Fill the gap in your cultural experience at the Midtown Murals Project’s Battle of the Bands/Battle of the Spray Cans. Bands like the Cuf, ¡Bucho! and Hypnotic IV will keep the rhythm flowing like aerosol from the spray cans of the 12 competing artists. The Saturday event, held in Marshall Park at 27th and J streets, lasts from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and makes a perfect prelude to Second Saturday. Admission is free, but drop some cash on the barbecue and beer because proceeds benefit the Midtown Murals Project. (The project is responsible for such beauties as the “Sweet Dream” Alhambra Theatre mural on J and 25th streets and the Rick’s Uptown Market mural on 17th Street and Capitol Avenue.) Visit www.midtownmurals.com or call (916) 448-8517 for more information.