Soundbites: Benefits With Friends, Drone On, Dead Man's Party

In these dark times — and no, I'm not referring to midwinter — isn't it great when we can be entertained while also supporting a good cause? Here are a few events this week that, aside from being sources of fun, aim to sustain the good works of several local organizations. First up is Comic Relief: A Benefit for COTS. Now in its fourth year, the benefit standup comedy show takes inspiration from the British charity of the same name and its widely popular televised comedy specials that began airing in the 1980s. Burlington's Comic Relief supports the Committee on Temporary Shelter, a nonprofit organization that has been helping people overcome homelessness since 1982. This year's lineup includes comedians Eric Dreiblatt, Cori Marnellos, Andy Perchlik, Annie Russell, Tarzan Jenkins, Tim Bridge, Tracy Dolan and host Kathleen Kanz. If you're so inclined, laugh yourself stupid on Thursday, February 16, at ArtsRiot in Burlington. For more information about COTS, visit cotsonline.org. Next stop on the benefit express is a rock show. Local art-rockers Swale, electro-poppers Heloise & the Savoir Faire and indie rockers Villanelles are doing their thing in support of the Iskra Print Collective, a nonprofit group focused on educating the community on all things printmaking. The benefit is Saturday, February 18, at the Karma Bird House Gallery — aka Maglianero. Iskra recently had to retire an important piece of screen-printing equipment, so the collective is seeking assistance in order to bankroll its replacement. If you aren't familiar with Iskra, you may be familiar with some of its work. You know those lovely keepsake posters that you sometimes get to take home from Higher Ground? Iskra produces many of those, and its artists are providing a selection for sale at the event. For more information about Iskra, visit iskraprint.com. Oh, hey! This is pretty exciting: Swale guitarist Eric Olsen told me via email that the band plans to unveil a bunch of new material at this show. That's pretty cool, but he also said that tunes are from the band's forthcoming album. Did you know Swale were releasing a new album this year? I didn't. Olsen said the album is completed, mixed and mastered and is awaiting ye olde press. While its title is still a secret, he revealed it is "made of ghosts and sawdust." I'm simultaneously creeped out and stimulated by that. Guess you'll have to go to…