Be sure not to miss Cary’s newest sensation as Park After Dark returns to Downtown Park, 319 S. Academy St., on July 12 for the second of the four-part series of nighttime events. Indie-jazz band Tea Cup Gin takes the stage from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for musical entertainment while food will be sold by The Wandering Moose and The Mayton Inn, deserts by Andie’s Homemade Ice Cream, and drinks by Crosstown Pub.

The members of Durham-based Tea Cup Gin – John Klonowski, Christy Benson, and Mike Reid – all share a passion for crafting originals under the influence of an eclectic blend of early 20th century musical genres such as deco-era vocal jazz, Tin Pan Alley classics, ragtime, delta blues, tango, bossa, cabaret, torch and show tunes. The band stirs together a tasty blend of unique melodies and lyrics, served up on two blazing acoustic guitars, with impassioned vocals, dynamic upright bass and percussion, with quests slinging trombone, trumpet, violin, saxophone and plenty more.

Park After Dark is open to all ages, but is especially designed to give couples a special night out with activities planned at creating a date night atmosphere. A limited number of chairs will be provided, but citizens are encouraged to bring their own. Outside food and drinks are allowed, but no outside alcohol. PAD will also have events on Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. On Aug. 9, Raleigh-based quintet Peter Lamb and The Wolves take the stage with a repertoire that reaches all the way back to New Orleans’ earliest snycopators, but also forward to bards like Bob Dylan and Tom Waits; expect a tango on the heels of a French waltz or Russian folk song. The event on Sept. 13 will feature the Atomic Rhythm All-Stars, who bring the sounds of the red-hot jazz bands of the 1920s and 30s such as Louis Armstrong, Bix Biderbeck, Big Crosby and Fats Waller.

Downtown Park is a key piece in the rejuvenation of downtown Cary. A true urban park, the new space anchors the corner of South Academy Street and Kildaire Farm Road. The park features a stunning, lighted fountain, open green space, benches, public art, moveable tables and chairs, table tennis, foosball, bocce, checker and chess tables, and the performance green and stage area. Parking is available in downtown Cary and the parking lots at Cary Elementary and public library. Multiple parking areas are available around Downtown Park, including accessible parking at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., and parallel parking along South Academy Street. Please mind all parking signs if parking in private lots. In the event of rain, events will be rescheduled. In the case of inclement weather, citizens can visit www.townofcary.org/rainout for the latest programming information.

For more, go to Recreation and Enjoyment at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 460-4963.