If you haven’t yet purchased your tickets for this Thursday night’s big Matthew Sperry tribute concert at San Francisco’s Victoria Theater, time is running out! The benefit show, which supports the family of talented Oakland bassist Matthew Sperry following his untimely death this June, is shaping up to be truly special.

The show provides a final opportunity to hear music from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” whose San Francisco cast, including Sperry as the bassist, concluded a highly praised six-month run earlier this year. The cast, joined for this special performance by “Hedwig” composer/lyricist Stephen Trask, will reprise songs from the show, giving the audience a taste of the hit production described by one reviewer as “seamless and miraculously compelling,” a “theatrical bonanza of drag, rock, cabaret and burlesque.” More reviews here.

Legendary songwriter and performer Tom Waits will also make a rare live performance at the benefit show. Matthew Sperry performed on Waits’ two acclaimed 2002 albums, “Alice” and “Blood Money,” and appeared with him on a memorable David Letterman Show performance.

The remaining performers at the benefit show are also intriguing and innovative. Reflecting Matthew’s pioneering efforts in creative improvised music, veteran composer/improviser Pauline Oliveros will perform with her Quartet. Oliveros promises to be stirring and contemplative. More on Oliveros here.

Gino Robair’s “Orchesperry,” which consists of artist/musicians with whom Sperry played frequently, has been assembled just for the occasion, and features an all-star cast of brilliant improvisers.

Matthew’s interest in Jewish Klezmer music is represented by the Red Hot Chachkas, who brought much-needed levity to Matthew’s June memorial service — those of you who saw Matthew’s daughter Lila being hoisted on someone’s shoulders to clap hands and smile at the Chachkas performance that day have a wonderful memory to keep.

Together, these performances portray the staggering range, intensity and wit of Matthew’s musical personality, and promise to make for a great musical evening even if you never knew Matthew.

Again, the Memorial concert will benefit Matthew’s wife Stacia and his two-year-old daughter Lila.

Tickets are available in advance at tickets.com:

http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=TDC&pid=5193793

Tickets are also available at the door.

Date: July 31, 2003 Time: 7:30pm

Location: Victoria Theater 2961 16th Street (@ Mission) San Francisco

Ticket Prices: $30-100.

For more information about Matthew and the concert, visit http://matthewsperry.org or http://victoriatheatre.org.

Please distribute this announcement to SF individuals or groups.