The PopCulteer
October 10, 2014
We have some cool stuff to tell you about this week, some of it happy, some of it bittersweet.
The Frank
The Frank is a music video. But it’s not your average music video. Available on DVD with plenty of extras to justify the cost, The Frank comes from the folks behind Mystery Science Theater 3000, and it’s perfect viewing for any Halloween party.
There’s a cool short film that sets up what is essentially an updated take on “The Monster Mash.” This was written by Trace Beaulieu and Frank Coniff (Dr. Forester and TV’s Frank, from MST3K) and David “Gruber” Allen. Other MST3K alumni in small roles include Mary Jo Pehl, Bill Corbett, J. Elvis Weinstein and the voice of Joel Hodgeson.
Obviously this is a must-have item for fans of Mystery Science Theater. It’s also family-friendly, but not in a sickeningly sweet way. The TVTV puppets are on hand for added comedic support, and the whole music video runs about ten minutes.
A sneak peek at David “Gruber” Allen and Trace Beaulieu from “The Frank.”
There are plenty of extras on hand. We get a full-color version of the film/music video. There are some hilarious interviews, including one where TV’s Frank is being interviewed while his make up is being removed, conducted by an non-English speaking interviewer. At time-lapse shows the set being constructed and we get a promo clip for Beauleu’s book, “Silly Rhymes For Belligerent Children.”
This really is perfect for any Halloween party. It’s kid-friendly, but not in an offensive way. It’s short, and it’s completely in the Halloween spirit.On of the tag-lines is “It’s Busby Berkeley meets Jack Davis!”
You can order The Frank directly from Amazon and have it in just a few days. It’s a real treat for “Misties” everywhere. Here’s a clip promoting its debut in the UK…
San Jose Taiko
Next Tuesday, WVSU welcomes San Jose Taiko, an eclectic percussion ensemble, to the Davis Fine Arts Theater. The start time is 7:30 PM and tickets are $15 for the general public, and $5 for students.
San Jose Taiko members follow a strict displine of music, exercise and practice, and they also teach workshops and classes in Japanese percussion and other world music rhythms. Current performing members include Rina Chang, Yurika Chiba, Alex Hudson, Franco Imperial, Allison Ishida, Sylvia King, Alix Koyama, Stewart Kume, Trish Wong Kume, Geoff Noone, Matt Ogawa, Dylan Solomon, Meg Suzuki Hudson, Wisa Uemura, Adam Weiner, Craig Wong and Byron Yamanaka.
Here’s a profile of the group…
Martha Ann Kuhns Memorial Show
Saturday night, The Empty Glass will celebrate the life of an amazing woman,Martha Ann Kuhns Miller. They will honor her memory by raising money for Breast Cancer research.
There will be a silent auction as well as live entertainment from eight extremely talented bands. The lineup includes Tofujitsu, Michael Ari Pushkin, Time and Distance, Brandi Good, The Spurgie Hankins Band, QiEt, Elephant In The Room and The Heritage. Stories of memories, and pictures of Martha are welcome to be shared, as remembering the life of this incredible woman is the central focus of this benefit.
A donation of ten dollars gets you in the door. The music starts at 6 PM.
That’s our PopCultee this week. Check back for all our regular features.
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