The State of Florida has issued an emergency order closing all nightclubs for 30 days, beginning March 17, 2020. Since there is no <em>just compensation</em> included with this government order, for loss of income, the only way that Hardback Cafe in Gainesville, FL can re-open is by generosity from loyal individuals who care about the music scene. Hardback simply has not enough money to continue paying all the bills that continue to accumulate as it sits idle.<br /><br />As many know, Hardback Cafe has been an essential resource for young bands and new artists for the expression of their creative arts for almost 15 years. The Hardback has never been about making a profit for the Bushnell family, but has been a labor of love with the goal of fostering live original music in Gainesville. <br /><br />Gainesville has a major band scene that will surely suffer if Hardback Cafe can not re-open.<br /><br />With a modest contribution to Hardback Cafe , you will allow its continued support of local musicians and artists in Gainesville, Florida.<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/46270164_1584568685940417_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="46270164_1584568685940417_r.jpeg" />

Save Hardback Cafe

<img class="not-resizable" src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/5532333_fb_1438628362.4918_funddescription.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><br /><br />Pat Fitzpatrick has moved on to his next adventure and we want to celebrate his life and his selfless works. He has fought tirelessly for those who needed a champion, and now is his time to rest. His passing will weigh heavily on the hearts of his family, friends and community. He was a man who was larger than life, but,  he was always humble and would grumble if he heard such accolades. <br /><br />As we all know, Pat was very proud of his status as a Civil Indigent. Therefore we would appreciate it if you could show your support for him and his legacy by helping with the expenses related to the gathering to celebrate his life.  Any contribution would be gratefully received.

Pat Fitzpatrick Life Celebration

Tom Miller

<div>Dear Friends, Fans, and Fellow Dreamers,
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<div>As we enter 2026, I’m extending a special invitation to you. This isn’t just about my work—it’s about what we can create together. This year, we are bringing four distinct and boundary-pushing films into the world, and with your support, these stories will not just remain on the page—they’ll become fully realized on the big screen.
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<div>From absurdist dark comedies to contemplative dramas, these films represent everything I’ve spent my life working toward—stories that challenge conventions, stir the imagination, and invite us to reflect on the absurdity and beauty of life. But none of this can happen without you.
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<div><strong>The Projects</strong>
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<div>The Tabernacle of Hedonism
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<div>Inspired by my 40 years of hosting The Reverend Angeldust's Tabernacle of Hedonism, this film captures the chaotic, unapologetic spirit of the variety show that brought together Gainesville's most daring, eccentric, and creative souls. It's raw, it’s uncensored, and it’s all heart—an invitation to dive headfirst into a psychedelic world of humor, absurdity, and unpredictable twists. This film is for those who refuse to conform to mainstream expectations and who believe in the power of pure, unfiltered creativity.
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<div>Audience
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<div>A surreal exploration of human connection and isolation, Audience invites viewers into an uncertain, almost metaphysical space. As a group of strangers finds themselves drawn together under strange circumstances, we’re forced to ask: what does it truly mean to "connect"? It’s a dark comedy, filled with moments of light, exploring both the joy and sorrow of life through a series of whimsical yet profound encounters. This project takes the familiar and flips it upside down.
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<div>Elmer’s Saucer
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<div>A quirky, heartfelt story about a retired artist, Elmer, who finds himself haunted—or perhaps visited—by a flying saucer that speaks in the voice of his deceased wife. As his estranged brother attempts to uncover the truth, we witness a beautifully bizarre exploration of family, grief, and the surreal paths we take in our attempts to understand the unknown. Elmer’s Saucer is a deeply original take on how we process loss, and the strange forms healing can take when we least expect it.
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<div>Roach Buddy
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<div>This one’s for those who crave something truly offbeat. A dark comedy that follows a recluse who befriends a cockroach, Roach Buddy is an exploration of loneliness, absurdity, and what it means to forge connections in the most unexpected places. With sharp, thought-provoking dialogue, the film offers a compelling look at isolation, humor, and the human condition through a surreal, distinctly unique lens. Roach Buddy has already garnered industry praise for its originality, wit, and unconventional storytelling. This story is also currently being adapted for a live stage play.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>Contributions of $10, $20, $50, or more.
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<div>Your donation makes a world of difference. Whether it’s covering essential production costs, marketing, or festival fees, each contribution moves us closer to turning these films into a reality. The smallest act of support can have a lasting impact.
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<div><strong>Why This Matters</strong>
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<div>For over four decades, I’ve worked to cultivate a space for free expression, radical creativity, and community in Gainesville’s underground art scene. From my performances at The Tabernacle of Hedonism to creating platforms for artists to share their voices, I’ve dedicated my life to making art that’s unafraid to be different. These films are the culmination of everything we’ve built together. <strong>Your support ensures that the creative spirit we share will continue to thrive—no matter how unconventional the project, no matter how bizarre the vision.</strong>
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<div><strong>Celebrating the Journey</strong>
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<div>This is your chance to be part of something truly special. If my work has ever made you laugh, challenged your thinking, or sparked a feeling of connection, now is the time to take that next step and make it possible for others to experience it too. <strong>2026 is the year these projects go from concept to screen—and we can’t do it without you.</strong>
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<div>With deep appreciation and respect,
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<div>Tom Miller
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<div><strong>Contribute Today</strong>
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<div>For a deeper dive into the work, and how your support can make an impact, check out:
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<div><a href="https://www.alligator.org/article/2020/07/gainesville-artist-s-10-year-experiment-culminates-in-hollywood-film" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elmer’s Saucer Article</a>
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<div><a href="https://www.ukfilmreview.co.uk/reviews/audience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audience Critical Acclaim</a>
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<div><a href="https://sevensides.weebly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Seven Sides of Shakespeare Official Page</a>
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<div><a href="https://millerworks.journoportfolio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Miller Portfolio</a>
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