So we have great news! First off, Pilam is still alive and breathing. They survived the dreaded Penn council once again to rock another day/evening. However, they’ll be laying low for a little while, but will be back in the fall in full force, and hopefully sooner. We also found a new home for our Best of Philly Showcase. The kind folks at The Ox have opened up their home to us. The show will still take place on Saturday, April 24th w/Reading Rainbow, Grandchildren and Levee Drivers. We would love to see everyone out enjoying themselves that evening because we know that our staff certainly will! Cheers! The Ox, 2nd and Oxford (w/their permission), 8pm, $5, ALL AGES myspace.com/theoxphiladelphia – Q.D. Tran

Multi-genre bending super freaks Orbit to Leslie have been keeping things spicy since the release of their album The World Was Saved With Chocolate Cake. From the salsa beats of “Elephant Fist”, to the drum processions, keyboard overtures and echoed up vocals of “Chocolate Cake” – it’s a manic rush of pure excitement. The band has played a bunch of local shows in support of their debut full length. Da Comrade! continue to impress with the songs from their homage album to their defunct West Philly house/venue, Chernobyl, The War From Your Living Room. And this outing might just mark their first big showing at JB’s. They’ll also be joined by Kite Party who just recently released the EP Wish Mountain on Prairie Queen Records and Brooklyn’s Caves (I think you should make an effort to get there early to see). Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ myspace.com/orbittoleslie – Bill McThrill

Philadelphian rock trio Man Like Machine are coming to the M room tonight, and the late blooming 14 year old girl inside of me couldn’t be more excited. These dudes with a capital D create glossy stadium ready rock tunes full of thick synth lines and lofting guitar solos. To be honest, these guys did not rub me the right way from the start, as they not only named Marilyn Manson as an influence, (don’t worry, I’ve seen Bowling For Columbine so I know how ‘multi-dimensional’ and ‘misunderstood’ he is), but they also covered U2. Now, I am not saying that I would have preferred, say, Marilyn Manson, but U2 is just one of those bands that I would like to shank if I got the chance. That being said, their music does highlight some of their more interesting influences at times sounding reminiscent of The Rapture or Q and not U with their aggressive angular guitars and disco drums. Just as easily, though, they make shimmery pop morsels that The Killers would die for. Their influences are quite apparent, which makes it easy to tell if they will be one of your new obsessions or totally forgotten since your nano only has 2 gigs and you finally got your hands on that Wyclef discography. So find out for yourself by coming out tonight to see a band that could very well be making noise in the alt scene in the near future. M Room. 15 W. Girard Ave, 9pm, $8, 21+ myspace.com/manlikemachine – Adam G.

Did you see the “balloon video” and think “those Free Energy dudes look like fun guys – I’d love to be in one of their videos”? Well, you might have your chance! If you are available for shooting April 16 – 19, come down to Urban Outfitters (1627 Walnut St.) tomorrow Tuesday, April 13th from 5 – 7pm for your chance to be cast in Free Energy’s “Bang Pop” video. There are over 100 parts to be filled for the video. For casting, please bring a photo ID. If you are under 18 years old and want to be in the video, you must have a parent or guardian with you. Come dressed to impress, especially the ladies! – The Deli Staff

It’s that time of year again. Can you smell it in the air? Yes, the distinct odor of burning flesh and sweaty, rabid party-goers ready to fuckin’ rock! It’s time for Pilam’s Human BBQ version XXXII! If you missed last year’s surprise performance by The Dead Milkmen, then I don’t think that you are going to want to skip this year’s celebration, especially with such a tasty lineup on the menu for this Saturday, which we so conveniently listed for you below. This is for all those who aren’t hopped up on illegal narcotics or something that you concocted out of your medicine cabinet. We know pacing yourself is key if you want to make it to the virgin sacrifices later in the evening. Are there any virgins on college campuses anymore? Well, that’s what she told you last night, right? BTW: If virgin sacrifices and hanging out with drunken underagers aren’t your thing anymore, but you still like to rock only in a slightly mellower way with your kids then we think Kidrockers on Saturday at World Café Live with Philly’s adopted sons The Spinto Band is certainly a cool option for all you aging hipsters who want to raise a generation of good music lovers. And if you still have some energy left, there is always reliving your college years up the road at Pilam after you pass the kids off to your in-laws, parents, babysitter or any who will take them. Pilam, 3914 Spruce St., 12pm – Infinity, was told $12 but poster says $13 – FREE BBQ if you get there early, All Ages myspace.com/thepilam