From the "Ain't This Weird" deprtment: Christian rockers Rhythm have just decamped for an overseas tour of military bases. The band's goal, according to a press release, is to not only play for the troops but make sure our men and women in uniform don't return to the front without a few free Rhythm c.d.'s in pocket. Before the band departed, members solicited monetary "donations" from fans to defray the cost of giving away the c.d.'s. For every $10, according to Rhythm, the band would be able to relieve itself of four discs. Considering that the material worth of a c.d. plus jewel box is about $2, Rhythm isn't trying to profit, just cover expenses. Sure, the band isn't really "giving away" anything, but it's got its heart in the right place. On every sponsored c.d. will appear the name and town of the benefactor.

Viewing this Rhythm situation from ground-level, you may see a struggling/local band going Boy Scout, trying to help an old lady cross the ocean. From a 25,000-foot perspective, however, you're looking at merely a struggling/local band that's capitalizing on the war and, indirectly, our sympathies for American soldiers. Rhythm, unfortunately, runs the risk of not coming off like super-patriots as surely they sincerely intended. On one hand, every artist has a right to profit -- even if only in good publicity -- from his handiwork; in fact, it's not just a right, it's an obligation. On the other, an artist on a charity mission -- for the beleaguered U.S. military, no less -- might wanna consider suspending his obligation to getting rewarded as the right thing to do. Like thousands of other artists artistically responding to recent tragedies, Rhythm might end up completely misunderstood. In any case, they're taking a risk, a course of action that -- if anyone -- at least U.S. soldiers can appreciate.

In conjunction with this year's Music Awards, we here at the Weekly are releasing a compilation c.d. of songs from some of the nominees. Now HearSay doesn't usually tell tales outta school, but if you're a fan of Flickerstick, Spoonfed Tribe, Collin Herring, Yeti, John Price, Goodwin, Woodeye, and a few other local greats, then you may wanna help open the gates at the Music Awards party, Sunday, June 6, at 3 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Bronx Zoo on W. Seventh at Carroll. In addition to Flick, Spoonfed, and Collin, the bill also features the Burden Brothers, Bertha Coolidge, and James Hinkle. The first 200 attendees get a free disc, 12 songs in all. So, OK, 3 p.m. may be a little too early on a Sunday for some. No sweat. The comp will also be available for sale on site. Proceeds benefit the Tarrant Area Food Bank, the Music Awards' charity sponsor.