[Locals Only is a regular feature where the Stranger Dance staff focus on the best and brightest of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. Feel free to hit us up with any information on local bands, musicians, shows, and other music-related events and projects.]

While Regional Bias looks to the Bay Area music community as vibrant and inspiring, the Deli SF-presented Dorkfest looks at it from the other side: Does the Bay have something special to offer, and is there a real sense of cohesion here? Is there something lacking that prevents San Francisco from measuring up with similar regional scenes?

Although we don’t necessarily agree with Dorkfest’s sentiment, the ultimate goal of the event — to bring together a variety of bands, promote connection, and inspire the masses — is noble and worth mentioning, nonetheless.

Dorkfest is scheduled to take place this Saturday, August 1st, at Cafe du Nord. In preparation for the event, the Deli has conducted interviews with most of the participating bands, which we’ve linked to below.

The festival costs $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and doors will open at 7:00 p.m. (show at 7:30) for a set of performances from the following bands: the Heavenly States, French Miami (Dorkfest interview), Railcars (Dorkfest interview), 60-Watt Kid (Dorkfest interview), Anderson Congress (Dorkfest interview), and Vitiligo (Dorkfest interview).

MP3s: