Local Music News August 17 2005

Stimulating Goodwill

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Former Atlantan Frank “the Stimulator” Lopez, long an active fixture in the city’s underground music and visual arts scenes, moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, this past May in hopes of starting a new chapter in his life. Sadly, his life changed drastically when his house burned to the ground. To help offset his expenses, fellow filmmaker Dan Bush of Psychopia Films threw a benefit for Lopez and his wife, Hoa Mi, this past Saturday at Push Push Theater in Decatur with film screenings and DJs. “Holy fuckin’ shit, ” writes Lopez on his blog. “I can’t find the words to thank everyone who has offered to help or simply sent helpful and kind words of encouragement. Many people have asked what they could do to help. Well, first off, get yourself some insurance. If I had lost any hope in humanity, let me tell ya, I got it back tenfold.” To send a contribution or a greeting, contact Lopez at www.submediatv.com.

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Culture Shock, Baby!

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To add an extra spin on the rapidly changing atmosphere at Jake’s Toadhouse, drummer David Michaelson is helping assemble a swingin’ party. The original Satellites skin-beater says that, on Aug. 20, he and some like-minded ’60s enthusiasts are hosting a “Psych-Out-Mind-Warp” theme party at the venue. Groovy music from the Intruders (formerly the Steamrollers), the Lizardmen and the Rainmen will be featured, along with stand-up comedy, Irish-folk “buskers,” strobe and lava lights, and incense (maybe even peppermints). Swingin’ ’60s costumes are encouraged. The shagadelic soirée is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Saturday. See www.jakesroadhouse.net for more details and ticket info.