Sense of Rumor

SAT 7/9
Word on the street is that Phil Buckman, front man (okay, only man) of I Hate You When You're Pregnant, is going to hang up the thong and go in other musical directions. Fans from Baltimore to San Pedro are preparing for a time when live performances of "Desiree" and "There Is Stuff in This World" will be mere memories. Buckman, who is on tour, couldn't be reached for comment. Ex-housemate Bobby Carlson of Ponies says, "That's the rumor. That's what Phil's been telling people. If he's saying that just to get people hyped up, he's a genius." Just in case he's not a genius, and the press and e-buzz are correct, be sure to catch IHYWYP's "last" Phoenix show, Saturday, July 9, at the Paper Heart, 750 Grand Avenue, with Hail the Siren Reign, We Fly Our Kites at Night, Ponies, and Shark Pants. Admission to the all-ages Shizz Second Saturday show costs $5. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Call 602-262-2020 or see www.thepaperheart.com. -- Julie Peterson

Acoustic Bookends
Make your peace at Borders

THU 7/7
A Rocky Point odyssey might be the quintessential Peacemakers concert experience, but fans of the local band will be going to Borders -- not crossing any -- for a unique celebration of the band's latest release. To kick off their tour in support of Live From Billy Bob's Texas, Roger Clyne and the boys are playing a free acoustic set and signing CDs afterward on Thursday, July 7, at the Tempe Borders Books & Music, 699 South Mill. Stoked about the unplugged show, Clyne says: "I write all my songs on an acoustic guitar, so after recording the studio versions and playing them in large venues, this format allows me to come full circle." Although the free show starts at 7 p.m., come early for a good location among the paperbacks and best sellers. Call 480-921-8659. -- Douglas Towne

Be Frank
He's everybody else

7/7-7/10
Next time you hear John Madden say something like, "Buy this douche so I get my free bag of chicken," chances are it's actually comedian Frank Caliendo doing his Madden shtick. The star of Mad TVdoes a number of impersonations -- often simultaneously -- that include Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler and George Dubya. His routine incorporates dozens of voices, as well as fat jokes, sex jokes, and Britney Spears fart jokes. See Caliendo's comedy live Thursday, July 7, through Sunday, July 10, at the Tempe Improv, 930 East University. Tickets cost $20 to $25. Call 480-921-9877. -- Cathryn Hugger