It's official. There will be a Frank Zappa Day. Here is the announcement: Details were announced today on a full weekend of events to take place in Baltimore on September 18-19, in support of the City's dedication of a sculpture to legendary musician, composer and social icon, Frank Zappa. As part of the celebrations, the Mayor's office will issue a proclamation moving 'Frank Zappa Day' to September 19, a date significant because it marks the anniversary of Zappa's 1985 testimony on Capitol Hill in favor of free expression by recording artists at the Senate hearing instigated by members of the PMRC concerning censorship and record labeling.
In addition, the stretch of Eastern Avenue between Conkling and Eaton Streets in Highlandtown will be marked 'Frank Zappa Way' with a ceremonial street sign to be unveiled for the dedication. Most of the events, including the outdoor dedication and free concert, will take place along this stretch of Eastern Avenue in the heart of the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District. Fresh off an international tour, Frank Zappa's son Dweezil and his band Zappa Plays Zappa will headline the concert on Sunday afternoon.
The events are being produced by Clearpath Entertainment in collaboration with the Zappa family, the Southeast Community Development Corporation, Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Creative Alliance at the Patterson, in coordination with Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts on the dedication ceremony. The schedule includes:
Saturday, September 18th
2pm- Free Open Dialogue with Gail Zappa, Pratt Library Southeast Anchor Branch (3601 Eastern Avenue, Highlandtown): Frank Zappa's wife Gail will speak about topics ranging from freedom of expression to the place of the library in society, and just about anything else the audience wants to engage on in a free-form open Q&A format. Space is extremely limited – contact the library for reservations at ckleback@prattlibrary.org.
Sunday, September 19th
12pm- Free Outdoor Concert begins, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown, opening lineup to include Baltimore-based experimental rock ensemble Arbouretum and more to be announced
2pm- Dedication Ceremony, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown
3pm- Free Outdoor Concert continues, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown, featuring: Dweezil Zappa and Grammy Award-winning Zappa Plays Zappa
7pm- Doors Open for the 'Arts District After Party,' the Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Avenue), featuring: Big in Japan and Telesma, food and bar available onsite
Although the dedication ceremony and the concert are FREE to the public, special VIP passes for the concert are available at www.MissionTix.com (keyword Zappa), providing access to a reserved viewing enclosure close to the concert stage, talent meet-and-greet, and other fan incentives.
Transportation and Parking:
All are encouraged to use public transportation to the venue on Sunday. There is Free street parking available throughout the neighborhood on Sunday as well as a private lot that will be made available for free parking on the SE corner of O'Donnell and Conkling Streets. Use of MTA and Downtown Circulator buses is strongly encouraged.
Accommodations:
For information on hotels, dining and all other local accommodations visit www.visitbaltimore.com.
