This homecoming weekend will be marked by the usual football game, the mindless partying and large, ghastly displays filling front lawns. But if you’re looking for a break from the monotony of homecoming weekend stop by People’s Bar and Grill tonight for the Ticketmaster Music Showcase.

The showcase, which is now in its fourth year, is a national concert tour that spotlights regional bands. The tour’s main purpose is to give local bands exposure to the music industry; and hopefully give every band its dream: a record deal with a major label.

This year the show comes through Ames and brings with it six regional bands. 6240 and Grain USA from Ames, The MudPuddles from Omaha, Neb., Mumble from Cedar Rapids and Inbred and The Rathbones from Des Moines.

Each band brings with it its own musical flare that should make for an exciting and energetic show.

6240, a funk-ska band that masterfully blends ’60s sound with a ’90s twist, comes in to People’s wielding no guitars. The band consists of a six string bass, a regular bass, and drums.

So, what’s with the name? 6240 is derived from one of the band’s influences, Elvis Presley. In Elvis’ first movie, Jailhouse Rock, 6240 were the numbers on his prison uniform.

The other Ames band represented is Grain USA, a self-described “catchy, bouncy, candy-ass basement band begging for luv in an abandoned pop territory.”

Grain USA recently played in the “South By Southwest” (SXSW) concert in Austin, Texas, the same concert that launched the likes of Bush. Be on the lookout for “Open Mic” a song in which you might be required to get on stage and make up lyrics.

The MudPuddles, from Omaha, will showcase its distinct Violent Femmes influences. The trio formed in early 1994, and has gone on to play a number of venues around Nebraska. Femmes fans should feel right at home.

Inbred came onto the Des Moines scene in 1994 with the release of their first cassette titled Love. Inbred, an aggressive alternative band, has influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix to The Dave Matthews Band. Jerry Spargur, Inbred’s lead singer, moves the band with his strong voice which has drawn a number of comparisons to Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins.

Cedar Rapids’ representative to the showcase is Mumble. This foursome played over 100 live dates last year opening up for such acts as The Gin Blossoms. Voted Cedar Rapids best band, they come to People’s rested and armed with an armful of brand new music.

Probably the most familiar name in the bunch is The Rathbones. The Des Moines-area group has been together for the last seven years playing constantly and building a large fan base. Thom Wright, the lead singer, said this will be a classic Rathbones set.

The show was originally billed as an all-ages show at People’s Theater. People’s Theater, the new project of Tom Zmolek who also owns People’s Bar and Grill, said the change of venue came about because the “theater is not ready to be opened.”

Doors open for the show at 8 p.m. with the first band hitting the stage at 9 p.m. Tickets are only $2.03 at the door. Once again you must be 21.