So, first the bad news (wow, that's a bummer of a way to start a column, huh?): If you were as stoked as I was about the big block party happening this weekend at the Ballard Skate Park (featuring the Divorce, Kane Hodder, Suffering and the Hideous Thieves, Bent Kactis, the Fall of Troy, and more), I'm sorry to break the news that it's been canceled. The folks at Art Without Limits (AWOL), the new youth art and music organization brought to you by the same kids who run Ballard's Brick House, were sorry to call it off, but the cancellation was due to circumstances out of their control. Don't worry, though--there's plenty more going on this summer at the Brick House, and I'll keep you updated on another big party happening around mid-August. It's gonna be great.

Now on to happier things... like food!

Every band in the world has a big CD release show when putting out a new record, and every time it's the same ol' thing--just another rock show. But leave it to the clever (and hilarious) boys in Blue Sky Mile to throw the best CD release party ever, with FREE ICE CREAM!

If you don't already know, Blue Sky Mile are a fantastic frenzy of heavy, melodic rock 'n' roll, and they're quickly becoming one of my favorite local bands. They put on a stellar live show that's full of energy, so even if they didn't bribe you with frozen goodness, you wouldn't want to miss 'em. Besides the ice cream, you'll also be able to pick up a copy of their brand-new EP, which is spectacular, by the way.

The party starts at 7 pm at Ground Zero in Bellevue, with 14 Days of Terror, the Recliners, and Daytime Hero opening. It's only six bucks (or five if you bring a can of food for donation--and you should, because that's the nice thing to do), and you get FREE ICE CREAM!

And if your tummy's still grumbling come Sunday morning, head over to 2nd Avenue Pizza for a vegan brunch and show. The brunch starts at 11 am (and goes until 2 pm), and it only costs five bucks for all you can eat. (I went a couple weeks ago and they had a delicious tofu scramble with veggies, seasoned red potatoes, and toasted bagels and jam... so, so good.) Then, after brunch, stick around for the show at 3 pm, featuring Zebuldada, Andy Cigarettes, and other special guests.

Yum. MEGAN SELING

megan@thestranger.com

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 5:30 pm during DJ No Name's Afternoon Experiment.