Paul Green Rock Academy Presents: We Love Zappa

After meeting at the Zappanale festival in East Germany, Banned from Utopia and the Paul Green Rock Academy decided to tour together in the summer of 2024 to celebrate and share their love of the music of Frank Zappa.

Banned from Utopia (BFU) is the Zappa tribute act featuring the most Alumni of his band: Robert Martin, Ray White, and Scott Thunes. Joining them are Robbie “Seahag” Mangano (Project/Object, The Grandmothers), Jamie Kime (Zappa Plays Zappa), and Joel Taylor (The Al Dimeola Band). BFU plays some of Zappa’s trickiest compositions while always keeping the fun and chaotic nature of the Zappa live show alive.

The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is the latest music school from School of Rock founder Paul Green. It is an audition only program for serious and ambitious young musicians. They have spent the last three years touring as the backing band for both Jon Anderson of YES and Gibby Haynes of the Butthole Surfers. More than anything, Paul Green loves having his students play Zappa, calling it “one stop shopping for music education.”

About the VIP Meet and Greet:

Happy Hour with the Zappa Alumni! Grants early admission to the show, one hour before doors, and the opportunity to hang out in a relaxed and informal setting with Scott Thunes, Ray White, and Robert Martin. No queue and quick photo op here! Ask questions, listen to stories, take pictures, have a cocktail, and/or just hang out with alumni of the most demanding band on the planet.

Host or Publisher The Westport Library