Banned From Utopia (BFU) is the Zappa tribute act featuring more of his former band members than any other band currently touring. Scott Thunes was Frank’s longest tenured bassist (1981-1988), and such a trusted member of the band that he held the prestigious title of “Clonemeister,” leading the band and serving as MD in Frank’s absence. Robert Martin, also in Zappa’s band from 1981-1988, provided keys, sax, and amazing(ly high) vocals on many of his classic albums, in addition to working with Stevie Nicks, Etta James, and Paul McCartney, just to name a few. Ray White (1976-1984) served as co-lead vocalist on many tours and albums, lending his amazing voice to such classics as Doreen and his backing vocals to countless others.
Rounding out the band is Jamie Kime (Zappa Plays Zappa), Robbie Seahag Mangano (Project Object, The Grandmothers), and Joel Taylor (Al Dimeola). The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is the latest music school from School of Rock founder, and noted Zappa fanatic, Paul Green. An audition only music school for ambitious students aged 12-18, PGRA has spent the last 5 years touring, alternately, as the backing band for Jon Anderson of Yes and Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers. They have also shared the stage with such amazing musicians as Bill Bruford, Steve Hackett, and Phil Manzanera. Paul’s former students have gone on to play in/with: The Who, Phony Ppl, The Bobby Lees, Dr Dog, Adrian Belew, and Willow Smith, to name a few.
The origin for this tour began at the Zappanale festival in 2023, where Paul Green was making his return after a 6 year break (but his 7th appearance overall) with the students of PGRA, headlining Friday (playing Zappa) and Saturday night (with Jon Anderson). The Sunday (and overall) headliners were Banned from Utopia and Paul and his students stood in stunned silence watching a band that was like watching one of the best Zappa bands from the 80s. A friendship was struck up between the groups and plans were soon in motion to tour the US in the summer of 2024.
We are calling the tour the “We ❤ Zappa Tour” because it is all about our shared love of this amazing music, teaching it to a new generation, and bringing it to his fans, who are thebest”
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Brattleboro is set to host two captivating events featuring the renowned hip-hop artist Killah Priest and acclaimed visual artist John Newsom.
