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Helping Out

The Usual hosts a benefit for Brother Dread By Sarah Quelland SOUTH BAY BANDS and clubs know how to rally around a good cause. A fundraiser is being held for Brother Dread, a member of the Caribbean-flavored hip-hop rap act Tri-Plex, at the Usual on May 9. Dread was hit by an alleged drunk driver in front of Waves March 24 after pushing two girls out of harm's way. Badly injured, he had to have his right foot amputated, and he's dealing with other injuries caused by the accident. Because his medical bills are adding up, and the driver's insurance isn't covering his expenses, Tri-Plex and members of Dread's family are holding a benefit concert featuring Majestic, White Clouds, Masta Steele, Palos, LSP and Tri-Plex. According to Delick, Dread's brother and a co-member of the positive message-oriented group, "He's getting a lot better." Tickets for the event are $10. All systems are go for the local Star Wars lineup at the Century 22, with one important note: it has become a charity event. Eric Fanali is lining up for the Leukemia Society of America in memory of his friend Mike Fratto, who recently lost his battle with leukemia. Hourly pledges start at 10 cents per hour for the 50 hours Fanali plans to be on-site. Yoda Sodas will now be $1 each, and proceeds from sales will also be given to the LSA in Fratto's name. Email [email protected] for info. According to Plush singer/songwriter Michael Parker, two songs by the local melodic rock band are featured in VH-1's Fashion TV. The episode featuring "It's Not Free" aired about two weeks ago, and the episode with "She Drives Me Wild" is scheduled to run sometime this month. Smash Mouth held a private listening party last Friday (April 30) at the San Jose Elks Lodge. A lot of credit goes to the band for being so accessible. Members spent the night mingling with the crowd, signing autographs and taking pictures. They also performed a casual 45-minute acoustic set featuring new material from their sophomore album, Astro Lounge. Unfortunately, poor sound and low volume made it difficult to really assess the quality of the songs. The album is due in stores June 8. Love and Rockets, which performed last Monday (May 3) with I.B.O.P.A. at the Edge, announced that it's disbanding to focus on individual creative pursuits. If you're sorry you missed the Edge show, you've got one more chance to catch them tonight (May 6) at the 7th Note Showclub in San Francisco. PLAN AHEAD: M.I.R.V. CD release with MCM and the Monster and ManMade God, May 7 at Slim's in San Francisco; Mike Ness (of Social Distortion), May 7 at the 7th Note Showclub in San Francisco; Loveline (with Dr. Drew and Adam Carolla), May 8 at Frost Amphitheater, Stanford; Natasha's Ghost, May 8 at Borders Books in Los Gatos; Jello Biafra, May 8 at Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto; Dredg, May 8 at the Cactus Club; Flat Planet, May 8 at the Fishbowl in Sunnyvale; One Hit Wonder, Boy Kicks Girl, May 9 at the Cactus; RetroMotive, May 11 at the Usual; The End, May 13 at the Quarter Note. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]