Camera was next to go

I am in the same situation as de-Intimidator -no pictures.My digital camera has bit the dust. I have an old (ie few features) camera that Gerry gave me. I want to do some research to get one that works well with my level of expertise or lack of it. I am thinking no SLR for me.

Tonight Gerry and I are going to Akron First Night. It is family oriented event with about 75 various performers scattered around a six block area downtown. They vary from individual guitar players, the Steel Drum Band of the University of Akron, Irish dancers, a group of four who sound a lot like the Beatles, and blues singers.