Entertainment

Former Dallas singer Sara Radle moved to Los Angeles back in 2005 and joined veteran group the Rentals for its return to the pop-rock world. But as many musicians do, Ms. Radle has branched out and formed her own side-project group in California. Calamity Magnet features her tunes and lead vocals, and the music is similar in tone to what Dallas fans came to know when she was performing here under her own name. Hear for yourself at myspace.com/calamitymag net, and while you're there send Sara a "Miss you" message.

PPT rapper Pikahsso has been putting his brilliant promotional skills to good use the past few weeks, pumping up a Feb. 1 event he's hosting at photographer Hal Samples' Deep Ellum studio space. Pik is celebrating his birthday by inviting friends and fans to bring their used clothing, shoes, hats and gloves, which he'll then donate to the city's homeless population. The title of the event can't be more self-explanatory: "Pikahsso Helps the Homeless Community Event & Birthday Party." Find out more about the event – and the rapper's upcoming musical releases – at myspace.com/pik.

It's starting to feel as if Smile Smile is on the verge of something big – or at least a big album release. The sweet-but-not-too-sweet pop group will play a special show tonight at the House of Blues, where it'll play most of the new material on the CD it has been busy recording. Member Ryan Hamilton sends word that the band also will be filming a music video during the performance. And if you feel like doing some shopping on Saturday, head to NorthPark's Original Penguin Store at 3:30 p.m. Smile Smile will perform there as part of Spin magazine's "emerging artist showcase." Find out more at myspace.com/smile smilemusic.

Lola's, a new venue in Fort Worth with shows booked by Spune Productions, hosted its grand opening Wednesday. But worry not if you missed it – you can play catch-up Friday as Denton rock group Record Hop opens for Austin's the Sword. Record Hop may become a more frequent headliner in months to come. The fearsome foursome fronted by Ashley Cromeens will hit South by Southwest with fresh copies of its forthcoming CD and then come back home at the end of March to celebrate its long-awaited release. Keep tabs on the band at myspace.com/ recordhop.

Hear the rich pop-rock of local acts Hendrick and Sunward Friday night at the Cavern. On Saturday, local rock band Space Cadet celebrates the release of its new CD Closest Thing to Closure with a show at Double Wide. Go back to Double Wide on Sunday to check out Max Cady and Eleven Hundred Springs, unless you're like me and can't stay away from the Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings concert at the Granada. Mmmhm, that's right.

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