But the real thrill were the attendees, a sizable number of which traveled from Lithuania and cities around the country. And Zappa's music is just as great as it was when he was rocking it. The concert by Dweezil Zappa and Zappa Plays Zappa was loud, ironic, satirical, and pumping. It was really like an old time gathering of hippies, wavy dancers, esoteric stompers, and heads. It's been years since I've heard so many 'Right on's' and 'Far out's.'
From Boomers to babies, everyone was in fine form. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen such a group of happy Boomers since the economic downturn. A few of the men still had hair down their back, make-over episodes would be lost on these guys. Everyone quite a bit fuller about the middle thanks to the volume of pizza's and sandwiches thick with sausages, sliced meats and sauces. It was clear that the seniors of the group were especially pleased that this music still ignited their children and grand children.
The partying continued at the Creative Alliance with Telesma, a great local band who describes
their music as psychedelic electro tribal rock. They did not lie. Not surprising that they list just about every popular culture marker of the last 50years as their influence. Good music and worth a listen. Again, some very happy revelers were in attendance, a younger crowd. I'm thinking the Boomers were partied out and - the lucky ones - had to get ready for work on Monday morning.The first thing out the mouth of the woman I sat next to was a slurred, "I'm into this." She then continued to provide an on-going monolog of her day. She sold $4,000 worth of t-shirts (still a very good business), this was like the good ol' days, and she was gonna dance after she went out for a smoke and would I watch her purse and she had just turned 60. Well, rock on, my sister! Just like the good ol' days.
Speaking of t-shirts, I was most impressed by the one this guy wore. The obvious question is, "Is this really your phone number?" I had to ask. He launch he did into how he really wanted to meet someone and thought he'd just let everybody, the girls, know. Wink, wink... anticipated response, suspended animation. I caught the sympathetic eye of a woman - sympathetic towards me - as I wished him a lot of luck and assured him that he'd find someone. One of the stompers, he danced with abandon off into the crowd. I saw him later at the Creative Alliance still stomping...still alone.
I am happy to report that Zappa's music is alive and well. It is gratifying that his music has a growing audience. Equally as important was his political activism in the music industry. His take on the current state of the industry is fascinating to consider.
Cheers,
LAFF
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