• We talk all the time about the bands that skip Pittsburgh -- you know, like Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Morrissey ... The Modey Lemon.

The Modey Lemon?

Yes, Pittsburgh's own powerhouse trio just slipped its new album, "Season of Sweets," into stores (see review) and is about to embark on a cross-country tour that will begin June 18 in Washington, D.C.

But there's no Pittsburgh date or CD release show -- at least for the moment. The band was going to call the opening slot for the Liars Monday at Diesel a release show of sorts, but that gig was canceled. So, with the possible exception of one of their infamous house shows, we probably won't see the Modeys here until mid-summer.

• If we were to make a list of the funniest local acts, Grand Buffet and Weird Paul would certainly be near the top. What happens if you take away their turntables and instruments? Probably still funny, maybe even funnier.

Find out Sunday at Howler's when Lord Grunge of Grand Buffet presents the Indie Comedy Showcase with Paul Petroskey, Greg Cislon (of Allies), The Cookie Clown and Jeff Norton (of Gil Mantera's Party Dream), Dave Magwood, Jordan Weeks and Jackson (of Grand Buffet).

It begins at 8 p.m. at 4509 Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield. It's over 21. Admission is $5.

• The Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse schedule is generally reserved for the likes of George Jones and Kenny Rogers, both of whom are coming later this month.

This weekend, though, the Roadhouse mixes up the lineup (and the clientele) with a new project. U.REP, a group of young promoters, will offer a series of local music every few months. It begins Saturday with Funk 'n Punk featuring funk bands CK9 and the Old E Allstars and The Jungle (Erie) and punk band Alive in the Underground.

With advance tickets, audience members can reserve a seat on a shuttle bus with complimentary refreshments. Pick-up time is 7:15 p.m. at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, Peter's Pub in Oakland, Charlie Murdoch's on the South Side, Acapulco Joe's in Carrick, and The Brass Rail in Pleasant Hills. Drop-off time is 1 a.m. or earlier. The show is 18 and over.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 with the shuttle, $15 at the door. Call 412-613-9350 or 724-947-1900.

• Pittsburgh power-pop band The UK Takeover will release its debut EP, "It's All Happening," on Rykdodisc with a show at the Lava Lounge on May 22. The label's release refers to the band as "Pittsburgh Pop Geniuses," which seems like it's going to be a lot to live up to.

-- Scott Mervis

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