Oh man – it’s beautiful out, and is a perfect day for a celebration! Well, here’s a good reason why. Birds of Maya just announced that they’ll be releasing their new LP Celebration on April 20 (4/20) via Little Big Chief Records. There will be 350 copies available – each with a unique hand-painted sleeve. Check out their promo video (below) for the album, and mark it on your calendars because we’re guessing a lot of the folks in the video plan on scooping up the limited edition release.

Tonight, you’ll be treated to a free show of young, local talent in the Victorian Dining Room of the North Star Bar. Headlining the evening will be nihilistic, lo-fi outfit Pill Friends, who remind me of a much darker, edgier acoustic version of Bright Eyes. They’ll be joined by folk singer-songwriter Abi Reimold, whose lyrics and vocal delivery are reminiscent of a subdued Angel Olsen. Kicking off the bill of up-and-comers will be indie pop-rock five-piece The Quelle Source, who are stripping things down for an acoustic set. North Star Bar (Victorian Dining Room), 2639 Poplar St., 8pm, Free, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman 

Below is a new track from noise rockers Heavy Medical called "2" that should snap you out of your Monday daze. GOOD MORNING!

It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard the bludgeoning blues-rock riffs of Gondola. Where have they been? What have they been up to? Well, they are surfacing this evening to headline a locals only stoner-rock bill at Johnny Brenda’s so we’ll have the opportunity to hear the badass, sludgy psych-metal trio rip it up and give us a hint of what they’ve been up to lately. Gondola will be joined by pals The Company Corvette, who have a new album in the works, and L.U.N.A.R. Revolt will also be touching down on stage tonight. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Alexis V.

Psych-pop outfit Jackie Paper is celebrating the release of their new EP tonight at Hong Kong Garden. Led by Joshua Dowell, who also resides in the Kensington DIY space hosting the event this evening, the group produces music that can get your head bobbing, but can just as easily take you to mystical places with Dowell’s far-off/far-out wails as your guide. Also helping to teleport attendees to distant lands will be local shadowy, avant-folk crew Mike Bruno + the Magic Family Band, psych-pop brethren Seismic Thrust, Brooklyn Beatles-influenced gang The Big Drops, New Jersey dream-pop five-piece Chimes, and rockers Cold Foamers. Hong Kong Garden, (Please contact one of the acts or the venue for more info.), 7pm, $5, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

A springtime Philly institution, replete with grilling and chilling, is upon us: the Human BBQ, with its monster haul of bands collected from across the city under one roof/sky, is on Saturday at Pi Lam House. Anyone who’s been there before knows the deal; anyone who hasn’t is in for an experience. This year, the lineup features such staples as Norwegian Arms, DRGN KING, Ghost Lights, Cold Fronts and Delicate Steve, as well as ascendants ranging from Celebrations and Plates of Cake, to Brooklyn offerings Oh, Adeona. It’s safe to say that there is something for everyone at this shindig. The music begins shortly after the grilling, specifically shortly after noon, and continues until 12 AM, at which point, if you are still standing, you should get some kind of prize – perhaps the prize of not being barbecued. (Check out the schedule HERE so you don’t miss your favorite acts!) Pi Lam, 3914 Spruce St., 12pm – 12am, $15 – Alyssa Greenberg

Tonight at Johnny Brenda’s is the album release show for Purling Hiss’ rad new LP Water on Mars (Drag City). Also providing some sweet, sweet tunes will be Spacin’ and Axis: Sova. We were happy to catch up with the Hiss’ mastermind and local guitar hero Mike Polizze this week before the power trio hits the road to melt some faces across America and Europe. You can check out what he had to say about the band, their latest release and much more HERE.

Check out the new eleven-plus-minute track from local Queen B, Bahamadia, called "Dial Up," which is her first release in nearly seven years (definitely has been way too long)! Mind-blowingly, it was produced, written and recorded on her handheld mobile device. Good morning, and enjoy!

Tonight at Johnny Brenda’s, Bleeding Rainbow will be making a quick pit stop home. After completing their stint at SXSW, the band has been touring the country in support of their Kanine Records LP, Yeah Right. Veering away from the poppier side of their previous releases, the band’s maturing, psychedelic shoegaze sound is something that has been flourishing with its addition of members Al Creedon and Greg Frantz (who recently left the group). Their music has transformed producing something with more of a punch that simultaneously touts intricacy and thoughtfulness. The somewhat recent My Bloody Valentine makeover hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Come check them out in support of Seattle’s The Cave Singers (Jagjaguwar). This evening’s performance will also feature more local flavor from garage-punk purveyors Wrong World. Get into it. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $14, 21+ – Ed Newton 

Cheers Elephant are back in their old stomping grounds after an extensive national tour and stop at SXSW.  Their most recent release Like Wind Blows Fire is rock through rose-colored glasses – the same rosy pink that dominates the LP’s cover art. The pop-rock outfit keeps their sound relatively simple and put together. It’s the effects-laden guitar, played by Jordan Del Rosario, which gives them their psychedelic feel. Combine this with a tight drum kick by Travelin’ Matt, deep bass lines from Robert Kingsley, and dreamy, low-key vocals by Derek Krzywicki, making for great lazy day summer jams. They’ll be opening for Darwin Deez, a North Carolina native who got his start in The Big Apple and has his own eclectic sound. Sometimes glitchy, often electronic and upbeat, Deez is sure to bring the party to the Church tonight. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street, $12, 8:30pm, All Ages – Shaylin O’Connell