On November 8, 2003, friends and family put together the "Happy as a Clam" benefit for the Steven K. Pak Memorial Fund, showcasing the very best Asian American names in indie music. Steven K. Pak passed away earlier in 2003 after a heartbreaking battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, of a very rare and extremely aggressive form of more prevalent in Asians than in most other racial demographics. He was a beloved friend of many of the show's performers and an active supporter of the national Asian American arts scene.

The benefit not only served as a memorial to Pak’s bravery and zest for life, but also brought together the first generation of Asian-American indie rockers; most notably the return of SEAM, after a three-year performance hiatus. This show was also an homage to the groundbreaking Asian-American arts community that featured bands who have pioneered the way for Asian American artists.