Monday, December 4, 2023

HAPPY ZAPPADAN

Today is the first day of Zappadan.
Zappadan runs from December 4th (the date of Frank's death) to December 21st (Frank's birthday).

Recent trips to Vienna, Heerlen and Brussels sure got me in the right mood.

Vienna was the place for the Idiot Twins Festival.
In our case, it meant combining a fine afternoon concert by the Studio Dan Ensemble (2023 11 11) with the evening festival where, a.o., Gabba Zappa Hey performed.
Good times.

Heerlen was the place for the MOSAE ZAPPA Festival.
I lost count. Was this the 6th edition already? Whatever the number, it was another excellent one.
The MSRBL HRNSHNE did their thing on Friday evening (2023 11 24), with Saturday offering gigs of Fred Händl, Remco Serban, Wolfbox, Gary Lucas, The Wrong Object, and Cheap Thrills.
As if that wasn't enough, the series continued on Sunday with Händl / Beck / Hollie, and with Kameel.
An overdose of fine gigs...

Leading up to Brussels ZAPPA.YES.YES.YES. Festival, I was able to catch the Ensemble Styx two times. With special guests Dave Douglas, Bruno Vansina, Samuel Ber, and Pierre Verloesem.

And a the ZAPPA.YES.YES.YES. Festival it was time for the Ryelandt Trio, Ensemble Styx, and Sinister Sister with special guest Robert Martin. (2023 12 03)
At the incredible Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels.

Completely exhausted, but also very satisfied.


As long as we're able to produce and to listen to beautiful music, there is still hope for the world.
Happy Zappadan.


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