Frank Zappa statue to be dedicated on Sunday, September 19 at the Southeast Anchor Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library located at 3601 Eastern Avenue. Additional details are forthcoming.
The sculpture is a gift to the city of Baltimore orchestrated by three guys from Lithuania: Saulius Paukstys, Saulius Pilinkus and Arturas Baublys. It is a replica of the bust of Frank Zappa installed in Vilnius (pictured here), created by artist Konstantinas Bogdanas. The gift and location were approved by the Baltimore City Public Art Commission and sanctioned by the family.
Legendary musician and composer Frank Zappa was born in Baltimore in 1940 and passed away in 1993, at home in Los Angeles. He is internationally recognized as one of the most innovative composers and musicians of the 20th century with a career spanning more than 30 years.
9 June 2010
Ojai Music Festival
Friday, June 11, 2010 –
1:00 to 2:15 pm - SYMPOSIUM lll: The World of Frank Zappa
Ara Guzelimian - moderator
Gail Zappa
Ian Underwood
Steve Vai
Todd Yvega
Dietmar Weisner - Ensemble Modern
8:00 pm, Concert, Ensemble Modern, Libbey Bowl
Selections from Greggery Peccary & Other Persuasions
"Night School"
"The Beltway Bandits"
"Put A Motor In Yourself"
"Peaches en Regalia"
Selections from The Yellow Shark
"Dog/Meat"
"Outrage at Valdez"
"The Girl in the Magnesium Dress"
"Ruth is Sleeping"
"Get Whitey"
"G-Spot Tornado"
Ok. Most of you probably know that Mothers' Day, apart from coming from an ancient pagan ritual, was originally instituted by women in this country who were protesting war and their sons having to fight. And that day, according to Hallmark, now falls on the second Sunday in May. But we here at the UTILITY MUFFIN RESEARCH KITCHEN recognize Mothers Day as May 10th every year - the anniversary of the day in 1964 that Frank Zappa named his band.
This year, to commemorate his work, we are making four more albums available to you on a digital level at Barfko-Swill. Official Digital Downloads now available: Everything Is Healing Nicely, FZ:OZ, Buffalo, Imaginary Diseases.
15 April 2010
PIPCO T-Shirt
Pip Pip Pooray
If ever since LUMPY MONEY, PIPCO has been on your mind, now you can have it on your chest!
Luxuriant cotton.
1 April 2010
GREASY LOVE SONGS (CD) - Pre-Order
$21
Cruise along with Ruben & The Jets. Explore the gratifying booklet in the back seat of your Carucha. Check out Cheech Marin's liner notes. Yes, here we are again with the most recent installment from the Anniversary FZ Audio Documentary series: Cruising With Ruben & The Jets. It's 1968 and it's never too late to learn and it's never too late to bop!
1 April 2010
Vaultmeister sighting!
Joe Travers in the Vault.
21 December 2009
16 December 2009
Philly '76 (Concert Double CD) - Shipping NOW!
$30
You could be the first to find this in your mailbox
this year! Yes, that's right.
Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Avenue at 14th Street in Santa Monica Thursday, August 27, 2009
$10 Box office opens at 6:30pm
Screening at 7:30pm
This, from American Cinematheque online:
Frank Zappa Double Feature:
New 35mm Print! 200 MOTELS, 1971, MGM Repertory, 98 min. Dir. Tony Palmer & Frank Zappa. "Touring can make you crazy, that's what 200 Motels is all about."- Frank Zappa. Frank Zappa was a mad scientist constantly pushing the boundaries of music, film, and video. 200 MOTELS is no exception; Zappa combined The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with The Mothers of Invention and filmed the bulk of the soundtrack live. Zappa's favorite topics -- groupies, mundane Americana and inside jokes -- are the themes of this film. Musical interludes provide a transcending break, where things like place, time and plot are forgotten. With Theodore Bikel, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr as Frank Zappa.
BABY SNAKES, 1979, Intercontinental Absurdities, 164 min. Dir. Frank Zappa. In 1977, Frank Zappa gave a major concert in New York that gave full rein to the astonishing range of his talents as a composer, musician, band-leader, conductor, satirist and ringmaster. Orchestrating the band, the event and the audience – the concert was a triumphant celebration of the breadth of his uniquely idiosyncratic vision. Zappa filmed the concert and spent the next two years editing, polishing and adding sequences to the film including ground-breaking claymation. As usual, Zappa was far ahead of his time – and the film did not enjoy wide distribution on release.
And we have this to say: It's Ringo Starr as Larry the Dwarf disguised as Frank Zappa and furthermore we all know that Baby Snakes (which stars the New York audience) is about "people who do stuff that is not normal."
See you there.
30 July 2009
UNCLE MEAT GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
First ever U.S. screening of Frank Zappa's UNCLE MEAT
Presented by American Cinematheque
Egyptian Theatre 6712 Hollywood Boulevard Sunday, August 2, 2009
$10 Box office opens at 6pm
Screening at 7:30pm
UNCLE MEAT, 1987, 100 min.
By 1968 Frank Zappa was deep into this masterpiece of conceptual continuity but ultimately had completed UNCLE MEAT principal photography by 1985 for the launch of his Honker Home Video label. Zappa uses footage from his "Absolutely Free"-era residency at the Garrick Theater in New York, and from the "We’re Only in it for the Money" album cover shoot and edits of The Play from the 1968 concert at The Royal Festival Hall, London.
The cast in UNCLE MEAT includes FZ's film editor, Phyllis Smith, Don Preston and footage with other original Mothers & band members, Ray Collins, Roy Estrada, Jimmy Carl Black, James "Motorhead" Sherwood, Bunk Gardner, Billy Mundi, Art Tripp, Ian Underwood, Aynsley Dunbar while Rodney Bingenheimer, Linda Ronstadt, Meredith Monk and others tag along for the ride at the legendary Hollywood Ranch Market on Vine Street. Acclaimed director of photography Haskell Wexler contributes camerawork.
We're celebrating . . .
Today is Jeff Beck's Birthday! Yay!
And it is the 30th Anniversary of the
final recording sessions for
Joe's Garage Acts I, II, III
And here's just a little something
from the L.A. stage production . . .
Zappa Records is pleased to present the Official Digital Download of MOTHERMANIA a special 4tieth Anniversary edition in celebration of the original Vinyl release (March 1969). On Mothers' Day (10 May 1964)!
24 April 2009
NEW!!!On Zappa Records!
We here at Barfko-Swill are pleased to begin our digital release schedule (that includes FZ, DZ & other artists)
with Warren Cuccurullo's Playing In Tongues. And speaking of Playing In Tongues this is the
launch of releases available through Barfko-Swill in 256 Kbps & FLAC formats.
How you like it.
10 April 2009
Zappa Plays Zappa - Son of Roxy & Elsewhere DVD Preview
Jennifer Lettelleir Bests Choreographer L.A. Weekly Theater Awards this week in Los Angeles. Congratulations to the very deserving, fabulous, gorgeous, beloved and classy director and performer of the art of Dance. Here are some of her remarks:
"First of all I'd like to thank the late Frank Zappa for being the
brilliant and hilarious composer that he was. Joe's Garage was my first
Zappa album. I've been a fan for a long time, so this was like a dream
come true."
"I'd like to thank Gail and the Zappa Family Trust for allowing us to do
the show. It was an honor."
"Thank you to Pat Towne, Michael Franco and Charlie Otte for bringing me on
to this project and believing in me."
"Thanks to Martha Demson and the Open FIst Theatre Company for opening your
arms to me."
"Thank you to our talented designers for creating such a beautiful space
for us to play in."
"Thanks to our kick ass crew for working so hard - Marjorie Knight and
Monica Dibiasio - you are the best stage managers ever!"
"Thanks to the killer musicians - I loved dancing to you guys every night!"
"To the cast - thank you for bringing my choreography to life and for
working so hard. I loved being right there with you guys singing and
dancing. Thanks for all your sweat and personality."
"Thanks to my husband Dave for letting me disappear into Joe's Garage right
after our honeymoon. You are the best."
"I fucking LOVED doing this show. It was an experience that I will carry
in my heart forever."
Puppets Rule! Producer Michael Franco holds Award
Michael Franco, Jeff G. Rack & Shawn MacAulay win for Puppet Design!! There is no competition for The Central Scrutinizer!
Yes. Bleef or not, it's true! Dweezil's peers with voting privileges honored Zappa Plays Zappa (Dweezil, Scheila, Aaron, Billy, Jamie, Pete & Joe and special guests Mr. Brock & Mr. Vai) for their wonderful performance of Frank Zappa's "Peaches En Regalia." As well they should. And we couldn't be more grateful for the GRAMMY recognition of this band of merry men (and woman)! Congratulations
This Limited Addition to the FZ Audio-Documentary Anniversary Series contains Deluxe booklet (with more notes by David Fricke!!) in a flamboyantly exciting package yes, and but also THE 3 (THREE!!) CDs, which more than sufficiently and even emphatically answer all those questions posed and implied in the cross-talk balloons of yore. See in the eye of your mind the pencil that drew out and the baton that pointed out the future path into one man's musical galaxy as Composer in residence, Earth, 1967/8. Music is the Best! Get some today.
21 December 2008
New Release(s)
It's that time again and we are pleased to consort with iTunes to bring you our latest bundlement of joy! Enjoy!
This time we're including special guests. More info.
Al Malkin - in the Field of Danger
Appearing at EastVille Comedy Club
85 E. Fourth St.
New York, NY 10003
212-260-2445
Saturday, December 13th from 6-8pm
24 November 2008
New Release(s)
Bad News: We sincerely regret to inform you that yes, we're delayed. Here's a little token for your extreme from UMRK:
We will notify you here as soon as we have a real date. Which should be soooooon!
18 November 2008
Pacifica Radio Archives Campus Campaign
The Pacifica Radio Archives annual marathon broadcast fund drive launches the Campus Campaign
From the Vault to the Classroom: Providing a new generation with a sound education.
The Campus Campaign is a new initiative to bring the historic recordings of Pacifica Radio to the classroom…grassroots style…one school at a time. Click the banner above for more info.
11 November 2008
Suddenly for no reason . . .
Your Life Is Now - A California Safe Schools Environmental Presentation
Project: LA36 Special 08/09
We are pleased to announce that Schott Music is now the worldwide representative for Munchkin Music, Frank Zappa's orchestral and ensemble works for hire. Click here for more info.
29 October 2008
Joe's Garage - L.A.
Go there, Get there, Be there!
16 October 2008
Suddenly... GZ on KPFK 90.7FM on your dial at 11AM Pacific Time
Guests may also include Pat Towne, Director, First Official Theatrical Presentation of JOE'S GARAGE.
FYI - Info From KPFK 90.7FM – PACIFICA RADIO:
For nearly 50 years, KPFK and the Pacifica Foundation have been broadcasting news, information and analysis based on a mission which remains unique in radio broadcasting. Listener sponsored and free of commercial influence, Los Angeles based KPFK 90.7FM has paved the way for a non-commercial media movement that has been instrumental in the development of this country’s crusades for peace and social justice. Once you tune into KPFK you know you’ve found something very special.
For music fans, the difference is breathtaking. Programmers at KPFK aren’t forced to play some Top 40 list of pre-approved songs. Instead, artists from around the world get the chance to be heard, and the interviews are both in-depth and insightful, allowing listeners to step inside the creative process. Such an institution needs to be treasured – and supported. Won’t you help keep this amazing radio station alive? KPFK is currently having a drive to raise much-needed funds and you can show you care by logging onto http://www.KPFK.org and pledging your financial assistance. Thank you!
Cinefamily is presenting The Amazing Mr. Bickford on the big screen at the Silent Movie Theatre on Fairfax in Hollywood, CA this Sunday, August 24 at 7:30 and 9:30pm.
Bruce Bickford will be in attendance for a Q&A after this incredibly rare screening.
The confinement loaf of your dreams.
Add water. Makes it's own sauce.
Put it on your fries. Use it to connect your dots.
Wash the car. Shave with it!
$16.00
29 May 2008
The Torture Never Stopson DVD
2 hours & Xtras - All by FZ
4 your evening's entertainment U will need:
TTNS, 1 glass of H2O & possibly a napkin.
Open the DVD & U'LL C Y
$21.98
29 May 2008
Watch
DZ not shut up and play his guitar - but he will soon enough!! Enjoy!
28 May 2008
GWWYK - $15.00
Automatic - $12.00
together for $25
As you know, Zappa Plays Zappa is imminently on tour and the DVD is available in an entire bouquet of formats for you to snoofer. And we are posting this here so that you know it will soon be available at Barfko-Swill along with Dweezil's CDs Go With What You Know and Automatic at special prices as of June 1st.
10 May 2008
Today is our Mothers Day - and it's as good a day as any to announce that this month is the 20tieth anniversary of the release of the first in the series of You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore.
Yayyyyyy!!
ALERT ALERT ALERT ZPZ Plays Craig Ferguson Show
New Air Date: 29 February 2008 12:35AM PST, 18 February 2008. Check your local listings.
(Who doesn't love hearing Zappa said with a Scottish accent!)
30 January 2008
16 November 2007
Tour De Frank In Japan
31 October 2007
NEW NEW NEW
woo hoo! WAZOO!
Big Swifty, Grand Wazoo, Penis Dimension
Large & In Charge
Et Ceterate Yourself
I'm flashing, man. And so will you when you find this in your mailbox.
Or in your ear. Yeah. Available exclusively at Barfko-Swill.
First luckies get a piece of Ye Old Vault to cherish or fetish or both.
While you're waiting for the ZPZ tour bus to arrive, check out the
DVD in the Classic Album Series - Apostrophe (') / Over-Nite
Sensation - due 1 May 007 and the TV presentation should be up by
then as well. Just the way Zappa made it in the studio with a little
Freak Out! and some Hot Rats on the side. Yum!
1 April 2007
Buffalo
Pick one from the herd
for your favorite pair of ears.
Full concert - 2 CDs.
$28
30 January 2007
Imaginary Diseases - In Stores
We at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen are proud to announce that Imaginary Diseases (formerly only available through Barfko-Swill) is now available at a store near you.
"AAAFNRAA" exclusively on iTunes - except this is just in time to celebrate the birthday on 12/21/2006 of Frank Zappa, The Imperial Wizard. And speaking of Imperials see if you can guess which one on which Zappa is from what era. "When the Balls Drops" you and Diva can bring in the New Year with Al on Global Warming and Tipper on drums. Here at the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, we feel it is our duty...
All FZ tracks are previously unreleased. And this AAAFNRAA is an iTunes Exclusive - except for the illustrious DZ's "Rhythmatist" is available on his CD, Go With What You Know.
In the Grand Tradition of Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar, Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar Some More, Return of the Son of Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar, You Can't Do that On Stage Anymore series,
and Guitar -
We are pleased to present Trance-Fusion.
Frank Zappa on Zappa Records.
Where he belongs...
For Trance-Fusion tracklisting and samples, click here!
18 October 2006
Suddenly Available for HALLOWEEN!
How would your pumpkin feel in this fantastic t-shirt?
How would you feel, feeling your pumpkin in this fantastic t-shirt?
In 1966 the first Double Album in Rock 'N' Roll which was also the first Concept Album in Rock 'N' Roll and the first album in Rock 'N' Roll in which the music revealed disciplines and constructs far more familiar in the world of classical music, made it's way into the hearts, minds and consciousness of just enough of those people under the age of 30 to cause them to Freak Out! beyond their wildest expectations, even in Kansas! It did happen here, there and everywhere. And we are pleased to present the Sessions, the Man and the Music that made it all possible. (And impossible!)
MOFO, like the release that inspired it, is a double release. Frank Zappa's Official Album #77 is the Limited Edition which contains 4 Discs of audio magnificence and a 60 page booklet of joyous fetishment. Available exclusively through Barkfo-Swill. Official Album #78 is the lovely & talented 2 Disc MOFO with the wild abandon of a 30 page booklet included - appearing in stores on 7 November. Freak Out! now - before it is illegal.
The Brewers of Lagunitas Freak Out! Ale reaches retailers this week around the Bay Area. Tony Magee, the co-founder of Lagunitas Brewing in Petaluma, worked out an agreement with Zappa's family in Southern California for rights to produce the beer using Zappa's name. The label is the original cover of Freak Out!
This is a most unusual beer for Lagunitas, a brewery famous for big, malty bombs. Freak Out! is strong, all right — about 7.3 percent alcohol by volume. But the taste is quite dry with a strong finish with a lot of hop bitterness. If a huge hop package pleases you, don't miss this one. It's a blend of pale malt and malted wheat and a couple of new hops, which Lagunitas isn't talking about.
Freak Out! is the first of a series of Zappa tributes, Magee says. "We will be doing a label every nine months or so as the other (Zappa album) anniversaries come up," he says. "Next, Absolutely Free next summer, then Lumpy Gravy and We're Only In It For The Money, Uncle Meat, Hot Rats and so on and so on and so on. ... Fun, it is!"
23 August 2006
Baby Snakes - Special Los Angeles Screenings
REMINDER! For those of you in Los Angeles this month we are pleased to announce Baby Snakes is making its appearance in the Mods and Rockers Film Festival, on August 31st at The Aero Theatre in Santa Monica.
This is the last surviving 35mm print of the groundbreaking film - with a stereo soundtrack rather than the originally released mono version.
There will be a Q&A with Gail Zappa and Martin Lewis, and program begins at 7:30 pm. General admission tickets are $9 each.
10 August 2006
Gail Zappa Radio Interview
Gail Zappa will be interviewed on Tuesday, August 15th between 2:00-3:00 PST on Experience Talks on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, and 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara.
UPDATE! Listen to an archive of the broadcast here.
23 August 2006
Go With What You Know
What do you know?
Dweezil Plays Dweezil.
Go With it.
It's good for you...
Now on Zappa Records
Suddenly available now at a bookstore near you - First-time Author (& Illustrator) Ahmet Zappa delivers a horrifyingly hysterical tale that will surely bewitch & betwitch monster lovers in your area.
See scientific evidence with your own eyes –
And ears – hear/here.
21 December 2005
Imaginary Diseases
On Zappa Records - home of the brave & more of the finest optional entertainment! Where can I get some Petit Wazoo? Go to Kansas City or Montreal or Right here!
September 19, 2010 
Willie The Pimp!
