Taste of Downtown Friday, July 3 5pm-12am Saturday, July 4 11am-12am Fifth Street, between Washington and Adams 544-1723 Food and beverage tickets $1 each

Eclectic eating

Fried oyster poor boys, BBQ shrimp, pulled pork horseshoes, Mediterranean tofu salad, ribeye sandwiches, West African gumbo, grilled chicken portabella, risotto, gourmet desserts and more. If you think your mouth is watering now, wait until you try these delicious entrees prepared by downtown Springfield restaurants.

While you eat, enjoy the sounds of a dozen different musicians and bands during the American Music Show. Featured 8 p.m. Friday is Grammy award-winning Dave Alvin, joined by the Guilty Women.