Zappa Lives On

Ain't nothing like the real thing -- or close to it. Though Frank Zappa passed away almost twenty years ago, his legacy lives on in The GrandMothers of Invention, a group of expert musicians who all worked alongside the avant-garde composer at some point during his short but prolific career...

By Bree Davies

May 10, 2012

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Ain't nothing like the real thing -- or close to it. Though Frank Zappa passed away almost twenty years ago, his legacy lives on in The GrandMothers of Invention, a group of expert musicians who all worked alongside the avant-garde composer at some point during his short but prolific career. The five-piece band comes through the Boulder Theater tonight as part of its first-ever full U.S. tour; it has already had great success sharing Zappa's off-the-wall orchestral jazz arrangements in more than 140 shows across the world over the last decade.

"It's very much a Zappa show in that you never know what's going to happen on stage," says GrandMothers manager Bob Duffey. Made up of musicians like keyboardist Don Preston and vocalist and saxophonist Napoleon Murphy Brock, who worked directly with Zappa, the GrandMothers adhere strongly to the composer's unique, intricate style. The result is a full-on theatrical show that is more a true re-creation than mere tribute.

Doors to the all ages-concert open at 7 p.m. tonight at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street in Boulder, and the show begins at 8. Tickets, $25 to $32.50, can be purchased at www.bouldertheater.com or 303-786-7030
Sun., May 13, 7 p.m., 2012

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

Follow:

Twitter: @cocodavies