This is how The Clash started! It's true: way back in 1976, there was a parlor game where dozens of musicians, sorted according to instrument, placed their names in Noddy Holder's top hat. Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who'd been dead for nine years at that point, then withdrew the names one at a time - and new groups were thus formed in random fashion.

The tradition continues Saturday at the Rock Lobster Band-O-Matic. Five different bands, "formed" two weeks ago in a drawing, will perform in New London's Oasis Pub.

Given the stylistic variety in the local music scene, as well as the wide range of mastery on so many different instruments, the combinations promise to be pretty delicious.

- RICK KOSTER

Rock Lobster Band-O-Matic, 10 p.m. Saturday, Oasis Pub, 16 Bank St., New London; free; (860) 447-3929.