Food, music, art and children's activities will be featured today through Saturday during the 23rd Carnegie Arts & Heritage Festival on Main Street in the heart of the borough's business district.

In addition to local rock, blues and alternative music on three stages, five groups will compete in a battle of the bands Saturday afternoon. Jimbo and the Soupbones, last year's battle of the bands winner, will play Friday night.

Among the other performers will be the Bill Deasy Band, Bill Toms and Hard Rain, Jill West and the Blues Attack and Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.

The Creative Marketplace will house eight artists and 10 crafters in two tents where visitors can view artists at work and purchase art and prints, handmade jewelry and ceramics and apparel.

There also will be a "family fun area" with kids' activities.

The community stage will have jazz, folk, klezmer and alternative rock music and shows by belly dancers and student ballet performers.

More than a half dozen nationalities will be represented in the food court. SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church will serve pierogis, halushka, stuffed cabbage and kielbasa; Carnegie United Methodist Church will have its Yinzer Roll.

Duran's, Babyface's Carnegie Grill, Barb's Country Junction, First Sargeant Ribs and Tambellini Catering are among the food vendors.

Festival hours are 4 to 10 p.m. today and Friday and noon to midnight Saturday.

Information: www.carnegieartsandheritage.com.

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