LEWISTON – Organizers of a benefit to raise money for Kennedy Park playground equipment are looking for a sound all their own.

Robert Murray said organizers are planning a free concert from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 in the park, and are hoping attendees will donate to help buy new equipment.

“The acts are going to be local people – kids and adults – but we need a band to back everyone up,” Murray said. “Before we can start auditioning each of the acts, we need to audition the band.”

The city closed the playground and removed the equipment in April, after deeming it unsafe. The City Council in May approved spending $26,000 to replace that equipment. The city is taking bids for a new climbing structure, a spring platform, a slide and three bays of swings. Plans also include a climbing area made from wooden blocks arranged in rows.

Money from the benefit will be used to purchase additional equipment.

Organizers will accept demo tapes and CDs from local musicians three days next week at the B-Street Community Center; from 1-3 p.m. on July 14, from 6-8 p.m. on July 16 and 10 a.m. to noon on July 18.

“We’re looking for a house band, a cover band that can do a wide variety of music,” Murray said. “We’re looking for someone who can perform on their own, but also back up a wide variety of other people, from teens to adults.” Murray said he expects to begin auditions for the singing acts later this month.

“And then everyone, the singers and the band, will have a month to work together before the actual show,” he said.