Long Beach musician Josh Fischel dedicated his entire life to living out loud through music. Though the local community is still reeling after his death last week at the age of 47, it's only right that his funeral ensures he doesn't go quietly.
Plans for a non-traditional service are confirmed for October 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Downtown Long Beach, not far from where the 47 year-old pulled off the successful three-day street festival, Music Tastes Good. Recently, Jon Halperin (the talent booker for the festival) told the L.A. Times that MTG will definitely continue next year in Fischel's name.
The funeral service, held on the rooftop of the City Place Parking Garage at 3rd St. and Promenade in Long Beach, will be a presentation from RIOTstage, the musical theater collective founded by Fischel. The site of Fischel's service is the same spot where the group performed a re-creation of the Beatles' Let It Be in August of 2015.
A lineup of RIOTstage performers will play songs from their various productions as well as new material and covers selected by Fischel, his wife Abbie and other family members. Those who can attend are invited to enter the parking structure at the Harvey Milk Park Stairway on E. 3rd St.
For donations to help with Fischel's medical expenses and funeral costs, A YouCaring account has been set up in Fischel's name and a website with information on the service can be found here.
