Calgary band Static in the Stars has been busy. Playing high-profile shows such as JunoFest, opening for legendary rockers Twisted Sister, working in the studio with Tommy MacDonald from Hedley, recording new music for their upcoming album and competing for a cool $200,000 in the FUEL big Rock Star finale, you'd think the last thing they'd have time for is a benefit concert. Not so.

Bandmates Jeff Pedora, Jordan Carriere, Harvey J. Warren, Jamez Goodon and Joe McLeod are set to headline the Big Sound Benefit this Saturday at The Gateway Restaurant and Bar at SAIT.

Playing alongside Once Just, Constant Season and 40 Gun Flagship, the band's hard rockin' tunes will be well-suited to the 'big' sound of this benefit, fittingly raising funds for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.

"This is an excellent opportunity for us to be involved with a great organization and give something back to the community," said drummer Harvey J. Warren, who also doubles as the drummer in everyone's favourite '80s glam rock cover band Broken Toyz.

As part of the benefit event, Static in the Stars will also be hosting one lucky Little Brother or Little Sister for the day. Kids 10 and up were asked to submit something creative that described why they would like to be a rock star, in hopes of winning the opportunity to attend the Big Sound Benefit's super-cool sound check and then have dinner with the band the day of the show.

"We feel honoured to be a part of this event for a great organization like Big Brothers and Big Sisters," lead vocalist Jordan Carriere told Page Six.

"We feel that it is important for kids to be exposed to music, and I know that when I was younger I would have loved to know more about the music industry and how to get into it."

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca, and are $12 in advance. Check out www.myspace.com/staticinthestars

PIZZA PIGOUT COUNTDOWN

Just one day to go until the city pigs out on more than 200 of the city's most prized pizzas.

There's still room for pizzerias to sign up for the 10th annual Eric Francis Pizza Pigout, and it doesn't cost a thing.

Since Calgary Stampeder Jeff Pilon rounded up his entire offensive line of teammates to sit on the pizza panel and help determine who makes the best pepperoni pie in Cowtown, there's absolutely no such thing as too many entries.

In addition to the hefty o-line, the list of celebrity judges keeps growing, and so does the collection of awesome auction items. Like the autographed Todd Bertuzzi jersey, concert tickets and a Dome Experience package that includes a behind-the-scenes tour and a Flames game from the press box, to name a few.

The highlight, of course, being the raffle draw for a years supply of pizza, and the evening-ending 90-second eat-off.

"The competition is fierce this year," said Francis, referring to the grand pigout finale that sees one beefy man crowned Mr. Pizza Pigout 2008.

All are encouraged to head to Cowboys after 5:30 p.m. and check out the event, if for nothing else than to see the largest collection of Honda Civics in the city as every pizza delivery guy in town will be dropping off a steamy box of his finest, fresh-baked 'za.

ODE TO MEMBERSHIP

You really do have to love the whole hellish process of signing up for a membership at a fitness facility.

Let me re-phrase that: It's a whole lot of sugary-sweet song-and-dance to get you to sign your name and every digit of your banking info over for the multi-year contract.

But try to get out of the agreement -- be it because you can't stand the classes, or found a new gym that smells a little less rank -- and you're treated as if you're asking to steal their fleet of outdated treadmills or tell the world the secrets behind their terrible Charlene Prickett aerobics routines.

The best part is, you no longer deal with the gym, but a shifty creditor who somehow owns the right to your credit card and holds the elusive 'I-can-ruin-your-credit -rating-anytime-I-want-to' threat over your head.

Forget the fact you only went to Spa Lady three times before becoming unable to handle exercising in a small closed room with 325 sweaty individuals. Try and cancel your membership and you'll soon find out from said credit agent in Winnipeg that you have 'no options.' Unless you meet the 'death or dismemberment' clause, that is.

A gentle reminder to think twice before signing on the dotted line, and that the good ol' outdoor running path is still the nicest thing you can do for your body, your mind and your bank account.