Make way for Death!

Not the cloaked scythe-bearer, fortunately.

Instead, the Death in question is the prototypical Detroit punk band - and they headline Saturday's seventh I AM Festival taking place on five stages throughout downtown New London.

Death, a trio whose savage sounds were rooted in Mitch Ryder and the Amboy Dukes and pre-dated the Clash and the Ramones, went basically undiscovered until a few years ago when their never-released album, "For All the World," was discovered and released. A documentary film, "A Band Called Death," followed, and, decades later, the band finds itself on the festival circuit.

Co-headlining is the popular Staten Island indie act, Cymbals Eat Guitars, whose "Lenses Alien" album is a triumph of melody and energy.

All told, 25 acts will perform throughout the day, including several local artists as well as other touring bands. Sets take place on the Parade Plaza and in the Hygienic Art Park, the Telegraph, the Oasis Pub and 33 Golden. In addition, food vendors, crafts folks and civic info booths shall abound.

See Friday's Daybreak section in The Day for a complete schedule and festival guide. In addition, TheDay.com will stream live performances and artist interviews throughout the festival.

- RICK KOSTER

I Am Festival, 12:30 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, downtown New London; free; (860) 443-8001, iamfest.org.