Here's an introduction to the acts appearing Thursday, June 24 at Top of the Park — the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's free, outdoor component, held outside the Rackham Building, on East Washington Street at Ingalls Mall. And don't forget the Top of the Park Photo Contest, presented by AnnArbor.com for the festival.

Earlier in the day, Company T.P.O. will host open play sessions at the Power Center. The KidZone Tent is open from 6:30-8 p.m.

The evening's headline attractions:

Yoshi Rackham Stage, 6:30 p.m.

In the world of hip-hop, Yoshi is utterly unique: a versatile rapper, poet and songwriter who explores the musical roots of his Pacific Islander and African American heritage like no one else has (or could).

Performing since: 2002 Home base: Ann Arbor Style of music: Hip-hop/soul/R&B/house Members: Kiyoshi Shelton, Vincent Kelley, DJ C4, Ladell Abrahms, Glen Tucker, Theo Katzman, Yoshimi Shelton Pre-show ritual: Crack jokes and act silly... then get super hyped and let our adrenaline flow so by the time we hit the stage, we're super amped while we perform. Favorite road food: Italian lasagna Desert island disc: Yoshi "The Talent Show" Best thing about Ann Arbor: Top of the Park, Downtown A2, and all the cool people who love to party.

More info: MySpace

Listen to Yoshi "Dance Tonight" (MP3).

Funktion Rackham Stage, 8 p.m.

This seven-man band based in Kalamazoo delivers their own dare-you-not-to-dance blend of funk and soul with a hip-hop beat that isn’t afraid to straddle genres, including rock and jazz. This lends to a gritty and some times flat-out rambunctious flavor in their live shows. Funktion’s high-energy performances are as intoxicating as whatever’s on tap, so don’t miss it!

Performing since: 2007 Home base: Kalamazoo Style of music: Funk, Soul, Groove, Rock, Jazz Members: Andrew Schrock, vocals; Terrence Massey, trumpet, backing vocals; Randy Gist, alto sax, tenor sax, flute, backing vocals; Nate Heymoss, guitar; Neal Conway, bass; Hugh Little, keys, backing vocals; Jeremy Reisig, percussion, backing vocals; Sean Reisig, drums. Pre-show ritual: Each member really has his own personal pre-show ritual. Typically the ritual involves warming up on his instrument. Making sure we say hello and show appreciation to the people who came out to support!! Favorite road food: Peanut butter and banana Sandwiches; Mexican food when we’re eating out. Desert island disc: Marvin Gaye "Whats Going On," Miles Davis "Kind of Blue," too many great records to choose from… Best thing about Ann Arbor: The arts, the cultural diversity, the open minded nature of its citizens, U of M… We love Ann Arbor.

More info: Website | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Listen to Funktion "Funk Prelude" (MP3).

Movie: "The Birds" (1963, not rated, 119 minutes)

Alfred Hitchcock's classic in which a wealthy San Francisco playgirl pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people. With Tippi Hedren and Jessica Tandy.

Each Thursday, the Ann Arbor Film Festival will screen short films from its archive before the Top of the Park main feature. Tonight features "Ringo," found footage from serial westerns and other sources set to a 1964 song; and "I Met The Walrus," an Academy Award-nominated short about a 14-year-old who persuaded John Lennon to do an interview in 1969.