BARACK THE VOTE
Thanks to the help of Obey Giant, MoveOn.org is sponsoring an art contest in support of Barack Obama’s campaign for the White House. The competition, titled Manifest Hope, is open to all 2D and 3D artists inspired by Obama, and the winners’ works will be put on display at the Manifest Hope Gallery at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Denver. The deadline for submissions is soon-Monday, August 18, at 11:59 EST. Visit manifesthope.com.
TILTING THE SCALES
Musician and teacher Steve Stockmal has announced he will open the Major Scale Music School (179 S. Turnpike Rd.) starting Monday, September 1. The independent school will teach private lessons for drums, bass, guitar, piano, violin, flute, and voice, as well as classes on music theory and songwriting. Major Scale will also host a grand opening party on Sunday, September 7, at 6 p.m. Call 624-6591 or visit majorscalemusicschool.com.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Pink Floyd tribute band The Machine will take to the Lobero Theatre stage this Wednesday, August 20, at 8 p.m. One of only two bands of its kind to travel with a full-scale light art show, this trip marks the band’s first West Coast tour-and includes a performance with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com for tickets.