DPAC to hold formal opening

Rush hour in Durham takes on a whole new aspect this evening, complete with the mayor, the symphony, a "Bridge to the Sky" and a brand-new civic landmark all lit up to look its best.

All that is slated to come together when the Durham Performing Arts Center makes its formal debut with a Community Open House. There will be dancing, music, oratory, free refreshments and even a world-renowned artist on hand. The theme for the night: "There's No Business Like Show Business in Durham."

WHERE: 123 Vivian St., just south of the railroad between Blackwell and Mangum, between American Tobacco and the Durham jail.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT BY:

* Jazz music by John Brown Quintet featuring Lois Deloatch.

* Durham Children's Choir.

* African American Dance Ensemble.

* Pitchforks of Duke University, a male a cappella choir.

* Durham Symphony.

* Raleigh actor Ira David Wood, as master of ceremonies.

* Mayor Bill Bell, City Council members, for oratory and ribbon cutting.

LIGHT SHOW: 6 p.m. "Bridge to the Sky," a sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is switched on.

The sculpture consists of underground light bulbs shooting a 7,000-watt vertical shaft of blue light through a plaza-level quotation from "Macbeth" pertaining to murder and guilt.

Plensa's work is also called "Sleep No More."

COST: No charge.