20 years and counting…

Music fans will take to the streets this weekend as the 20th annual City Stages kicks off this weekend beneath the skyscrapers of downtown Birmingham. This year, organizers hired Knoxville-based AC Entertainment to help produce the festival. AC Entertainment also produces the massive Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival located a few hours north in Manchester, Tenn.

City Stages is on a much smaller scale than Bonnaroo, but the organizers have still managed to deliver a diverse lineup of acts. Festival veterans The Flaming Lips and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals will play alongside legends Al Green and Diana Ross. There are plenty of great smaller acts to see on the stages surrounding Linn Park, too. Roots band Old Crow Medicine Show will stop by, along with indie violinist sensation Andrew Bird. And do not forget the local bands - The Dexateens will make an appearance along with a host of other area bands.

City Stages is a family-friendly festival. Bring the kids to the Publix Children's Festival for creative storytelling, dancing and music. Tickets are priced to accommodate families, too. Advanced weekend passes are $50, while day passes are $28. Children under 10 are admitted free. There will be plenty of food to sample, from smoked turkey legs to funnel cakes. With more than 150 performers on 9 stages, there is no reason not to bring mom, dad and the whole family to the Magic City for a weekend of fun, food, dancing and music.

Here is a brief guide to bands that you should not miss:

Friday, June 13

Carolina Chocolate Drops - Legacy Credit Union Stage, 7 p.m.

This African-American band from North Carolina is preserving the tradition of old-time string music. If you like banjos, fiddles and maybe a jug, this is the band for you. One thing is for sure, Carolina Chocolate Drops will have your toe tapping from the time they step onto the stage.

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit - Legacy Credit Union Stage, 8:15 p.m.

Stick around for some rock and roll with Jason Isbell. Isbell, a former member of The Drive-By Truckers, expertly blends country, pop, soul and rock and roll into a sour mash of sound. Listen close and you just might hear him play a couple of Truckers songs, and maybe a Van Morrison cover.

The Roots - Miller Lite Stage, 10:45 p.m.

This Philadelphia hip-hop band will return to City Stages hot off the heels of a new album, "Rising Down." The Roots are one of the best live acts in hip-hop. The band relies more on live instrumentation than samples, which is always a plus in my book.

Saturday, June 14

The Dexateens - Miller Lite Stage, 3 p.m.

Come out in the hot sun and watch Tuscaloosa band The Dexateens break in their new guitarist, Lee Bains of Arkadelphia. The band will play songs from their new album, "Lost and Found," as well as old favorites. If the sun does not melt your face off, The Dexateens will.

North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue - Miller Lite Stage, 7:10 p.m.

The Allstars always play a fun live show. Expect great musicianship and some of the nastiest Hill Country Blues around. This show is the perfect way to start off a Southern-tinged night of music.

Al Green - Coca-Cola Classic Stage, 8:15 p.m.

Do not miss this legendary soul singer. If you have a lady with you, bring her along for this show. You will thank me later. Green just released a new album, "Lay it Down," and he still can blow.

Buddy Guy - Miller Lite Stage, 8:40 p.m.

If you want to hear where rock and roll started, check out Buddy Guy's set. This legendary blues guitarist is one of the forefathers. This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer still kills the blues at 72-years-old.

Andrew Bird - Legacy Credit Union Stage, 9:45 p.m.

This indie singer-songwriter incorporates everything from violin to whistling into his songs. I am a little apprehensive about this set, but I am also a little interested to see how it goes. Regardless, Bird's set should be original.

Sunday, June 15

The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker - Miller Lite Stage, 5:20 p.m.

The Dynamites will bring the funk to City Stages. I could not be happier. This Nashville band is helping keep soul music alive. Horns, organ and funky bass lines will be on display during this set.

Vulture Whale - Engel Residential Homegrown Stage, 6 p.m.

Check out Birmingham musician Wes McDonald's latest band. This guitar-driven band showcases McDonald's strength as a songwriter.

The Flaming Lips - Miller Lite Stage, 9:45 p.m.

This will be the biggest spectacle City Stages has seen in years. Wayne Coyne and the Lips will bring their psychedelic rock 'n' roll to Birmingham. The Flaming Lips are music festival veterans, so expect an entertaining show.

Robert Earl Keen - Legacy Credit Union Stage, 10:15 p.m.

If The Flaming Lips are a little too much for you, head over and check out Robert Earl Keen's blend of country and folk music. Keen is a good songwriter, and this should be a nice way to end the festival.

It is impossible to see every band at City Stages. These are just a few suggestions, but there are plenty of time gaps between these acts. So, be adventurous and check out other bands, too. You just might discover your new favorite band right there on the streets of Birmingham.