Pitchfork

David Yow-- of Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard, and, most recently, Qui fame-- will trade the gurney for the silver screen at Los Angeles' New Beverly Cinema tonight (January 31).

It's the premiere of Al's Beef, a short-form Western by Dennis Hauck that features Yow himself in his first real acting role (excepting, of course, all those years of Tony-worthy stage theatricality).

Al's Beef tells the tale of a woman seeking revenge, and Yow plays a corrupt preacher. Sounds like an ace fit for the guy. The film stars Jordan Ladd, whose previous screen credits include Inland Empire, Grindhouse, and Hostel Part II, and Dean Stockwell, who you've probably seen on TV a time or two. Jorgan Geiger of Minus Story did the score.

Yow, as previously reported, was hospitalized earlier this week in Pittsburgh after one of his lungs collapsed. He was released Tuesday night, but Qui's live dates in February and March remain cancelled.

As if one trip to the hospital weren't enough for the guys, Qui guitarist/vocalist Matt Cronk also went to the emergency room this week. According to a MySpace bulletin, Cronk suffered three strokes and is afflicted with an "inflamed, infected, and strained heart." Yikes!

"Both [Yow and Cronk] are doing better with hopeful futures, but are not out of the woods yet," reads the bulletin, penned by Qui's third member and drummer Paul Christiansen (who we hope is taking his vitamins).

Christiansen plans to host Monday night karaoke at Los Angeles' Cha Cha Lounge to raise money toward hospital bills.

UPDATE: Check out these photos of Yow in Al's Beef: