Lawrence.com

Lawrence faves Ad Astra Per Aspera and The Kinetiks headline a benefit for the GaDuGi SafeCenter. SafeCenter volunteers answer phone calls from victims of sexual violence and meet victims at the hospital after an incident. Read our story about GaDuGi.About the bands: Anyone who has heard Ad Astra recognizes the sound immediately: a frantic demonstration of noise and melody clashing joyously and wholeheartedly. Points of reference abound (Sonic Youth, Blonde Redhead), but Ad Astra's best attribute is its ability to sound more and more like itself. The group recently recorded two songs at Chubby Smith's rural Lawrence barn and plans to release them soon; a new full-length could appear towards the end of '08.Inspired by their favorite kinds of shows (the energetic, crowd-loving, raw variety),The Kinetiks pen songs that are heavy with female harmonies, big guitar chords, electronic expression and dance-your-pants-off beats. Their long-anticipated debut EP "Music History" arrived last month after 10 months of work and the introduction of new bassist Phil Gratz.Cocktails and fundraising - 8 pmLefty Lucy - 10 pmThe Kinetiks - 11 pmAd Astra Per Aspera - 12 am