MYSTERY DATE

Would you fly to another city and hop on a bus to an undisclosed concert venue to see a band whose identity has been kept secret until it hits the stage? That’s the scenario that awaits winners of a contest being launched by the Miller Brewing Co., which will bring 700 winners to L.A. for a June 4 show. It’s the first of three planned “Blind Date” promotions.

The band for the intimate gig is big in the alternative-rock world and would normally be seen only in large amphitheaters and arenas, says Bruce Winterton, brand manager for Miller Genuine Draft. But he can’t promise that all the winners will be fans of the band.

“Just like a blind date, you may not like it,” says Winterton. “All we’ll say is it’s not Barry Manilow, but we’re pretty confident people will like it.”

Winterton did provide a couple of mild hints. The band in question has sold a total of more than 5 million albums in the U.S., has had five songs make the Top 5 in Billboard’s alternative-oriented Modern Rock chart and has appeared on the cover of Spin magazine.