Search For Top Garage Band

When Little Steven Van Zandt launches his search for the nation's No. 1 garage band, don't expect "American Idol II."

"More like 'American Hoodlums,'" Van Zandt said with a laugh about the talent search starting April 15 in Boston, where the first of nine local "Battles of the Bands" will produce finalists before a New York finale in July.

Van Zandt — who plays guitar in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and plays consigliere to fictional mob boss Tony Soprano — has become the guru of garage rock since launching his syndicated radio program, "Little Steven's Underground Garage," almost two years ago.

The winner of the competition will get a spot at a Van Zandt-sponsored "garage rock festival" this summer, along with brand new equipment.

"One of the things we're trying to do is encourage new bands," Van Zandt said in a telephone interview. "Bands don't have local support from radio, the clubs aren't filled with bands. As part of our culture, they've been driven underground."

The contest, sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts, will host battle of the bands in Boston, Washington, Chicago and other cities.

The band-on-band events will be "like Godzilla vs. Mothra,' 'King Kong vs. The Ant People' — that kind of silly B-movie stuff," Van Zandt said. "The 'Battle of the Bands.' It's just kind of fun."