Berkeley Symphony Orchestra

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The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kent Nagano, played "A Zappa Affair" concert, with choreography by giant puppets, on June 15 & 16, 1984, at the 'Zellerbach Auditorium', Berkeley, CA.


The second section, Bob Gets Drunk shows him in action at the bar. During the Berkeley dance premiere, the bartender, played by a life-sized puppet (operated by two dancers in black), gets so busy serving the thirsty yupsters he literally splits in half, continuing his shift with entrails dangling behind. The rest of the scenario is too lengthy to include here

-Frank Zappa, liner notes on London Symphony Orchestra Vol. II

On June 15 and 16, Kent Nagano conducted the Berkeley Symphony in the world premiere of "Sinister Footwear," and the U S. premieres of "Mo 'n Herb's Vacation," "Bob In Dacron, Sad Jane" and the large orchestra version of "Pedro's Dowry." The pieces were presented at Zellerbach Auditorium in Berkeley with extraordinary ballet staging provided by John Gilkerson's San Francisco Miniature Theater, using dancers and larger-than-life puppets.

Frank Zappa, 84/8


  • A part of this concert was bootlegged, and circulates on several recordings.