The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Jazz Orchestra presents its 4th Annual Frank Zappa Tribute Concert Zappa-4-ever on Wednesday and Thursday, December 7 & 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Zappa’s debut album Freak Out! In celebration, the concert will feature songs from Freak Out!, such as Hungry Freaks Daddy and Trouble Every Day. Musical Director Trever Veilleux describes Zappa as a brilliant social commentator and notes a song like Trouble Every Day with lyrical themes of racial violence, social injustice, and sensational journalism is just as relevant today as it was when it was released in 1966.
“Because 2016 has been so crazy we decided to include more of Zappa’s political songs in this year’s show,” Veilleux said. “The concert will also feature songs from the albums You Are What You Is, Bongo Fury, We’re Only In It For the Money, and more.”
The UH Hilo Jazz Orchestra includes over 25 singers and musicians with a large horn section blowing over a rock and roll rhythm section. To capture Zappa’s complex music, the orchestra began rehearsals for the show back in August.
“Zappa always had amazing musicians in his bands, and he would push them to their limits with very challenging compositions,” said Veilleux. “Our students have the difficult task of performing these compositions. They’ve worked incredibly hard throughout the semester to bring our audience a tight, professional-sounding show.”
Tickets are open seating priced at $10 General, $7 Discount, $5 seniors, students w/valid ID & children 17 and under. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information, or to order tickets, contact the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center Box Office at 932-7490 or artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.
For disability accommodation, contact Dori Yamada at 932-7496 (V) or 933-3334 (TTY) at least 10 working days prior to the event.