Live Fast But Die Slow

It’s been two years since word spread through Dallas that one of the city’s brightest, most beloved musicians, Frankie Campagna, had committed suicide. Then, doubling the pain’s weight we saw his Spector 45 bandmate, bassist Adam Carter, follow suit only three months later. It made public a union that’s existed for too long — where fiery creative spirits are bound with secret emotional turmoil. Frank Campagna Sr. refused to let the cycle continue, so he went and did something about it. Tonight marks the opening of Live Fast/Die Slow, the visual-art component of 45 Fest, Saturday’s one-day music festival that pays homage to Frankie and Adam. Thursday’s event is equal parts exhibition and competition, with more than 30 local artists creating original Spector 45 album art. The winning piece will be used in an upcoming Spector 45 anthology, but all are available for purchase. The money brought in through the Fest’s visual and musical components go to support 45 Fund, an organization created by the Deep Ellum Community Association to provide mental-health access for Dallas’ artists and musicians. Support your community and help break the cycle at Kettle Art (2714 Elm St.) from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, and then check out the music showcase on Saturday at Club Dada. Visit facebook/kettle.art.

Thu., Oct. 18, 2012