Concord will participate, along with thousands of other communities across the county, in National Night Out to help prevent crime. The free city event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Todos Santos Plaza, at Willow Pass Road and Grant Street in downtown Concord.

Neighborhoods throughout the city will also be hosting their own events.

At the Todos Santos Plaza celebration, the Concord Police K9 Unit will present a demonstration, and MUMBA, the new Police Department SWAT vehicle, will be on display.

Music on the stage will be provided by Stung, a tribute band to The Police. Near the plaza, several bands will be at various locations beginning at 8 p.m. and continuing until 9:30 p.m.

They include Steve Sage's Rock, Rhythm & Blues Revue in the courtyard by Skipolini's Pizza; David Correa and Cascada, playing Latin guitar-based world music, in the courtyard between Toscana's restaurant and Panama Bay Coffee House; and Timmer 2 Karaoke at the corner of Salvio and Mt. Diablo streets.

National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and aims to prevent crime through awareness, participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and sending a message that neighborhoods are organized and fighting against crime.

Free parking is available at two downtown garages on Salvio Street. For more information, call the downtown events hotline