Cute boys have been a staple in rock and roll, oh, basically since its inception. And even if a guy isn't "cute" in the traditional sense, somehow strapping a guitar across him or throwing a mic or a pair of drumsticks in his hands magically transforms him into everything a young girl desires.

But of all the cute bands across the globe, there's one question yet to be answered--just who is the cutest? Well, come May 21, we will all have an answer (as far as Seattle is concerned), because it's time for the second annual "Cutest Band in Seattle" contest!

Last year, local boys Ambitious Career Woman and Asahi took the title (viewers' choice and judges' choice, respectively) at the Downtown YMCA, beating out In Praise of Folly, Blue Sky Mile, and Lands Farther East. Back then, all the contestants had to do was prove they could rock (and of course be all charming and cute while doing it), but this year the stakes have been kicked up a notch by including a plethora of "beauty pageant"-inspired segments in the competition (which includes, of course, playing rock 'n' roll). It'll be hilarious, I promise you that.

Back to defend their title are Ambitious Career Woman, but it won't be an easy battle with Pomeranian, the Senate Arcade, Mechanical Dolls (because girls can be cute too), and Farewell Addison taking a stab at the claim. And I'm happy to return as one of the guest judges for the evening (bribery is accepted, by the way) and I'll be joined by the lovely Three Imaginary Girls (www.threeimaginarygirls.com) and Pete Greenberg from the Crocodile. The event is being held at the University of Washington's HUB Auditorium, it starts at 8:00 p.m., and it's only five bucks (three if you're a UW student).

It's a shame that the Catheters aren't involved in the action, because as my boss Dan Savage's public crush on singer Brian Standeford can attest, they're really cute. But they're a little busy that night with their CD release party at the Vera Project, celebrating their new record, Howling... It Grows and Grows!!!.

Released on Sub Pop last week, Howling... is half an hour of gritty, attitude-laced rock 'n' roll, involving heavy drumming and guitar spaz-outs behind Standeford's dirty, caterwauling vocals. Sometimes the music has a little classic-rock swagger to it, and other times it's pounding, punk-rock-influenced noise, and with each listen the new record gets better.

The Catheters have always been a great live band as well. Every time I've seen them they pour their sweat all over the stage, whipping through that catalog of messy rock 'n' roll, and leaving no eardrum unburst. Akimbo, the Hunches, and the Lights open the show. This one ain't about bein' pretty, as it'll be hot and loud to be sure. It starts at 7:30 p.m., costs eight bucks, and of course, you'll be able to pick up the Catheters' record while you're there, which I highly recommend.

megan@thestranger.com

See page 45 for All Ages Action listings.