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 Post subject: 02 January 2009: Portland, OR
PostPosted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:31 am 
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Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:29 am
Posts: 349
Did you attend the ZPZ show at the Hawthorne Theatre opera House in Portland, OR?

Dweezil and the band love reading your reviews.

Please do not post in this thread if you did not attend the show.

Mikey
Zappa.com Webmeister


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:28 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 4:45 pm
Posts: 2
What a great show, my fifth ZPZ show and they do keep getting better!!!
# Peaches En Regalia
# City of Tiny Lights
# Im Not Satisfied
# Pigmy Twylite Roxy version
# Idiot Bastard Son
# Cheepnis # Inca Roads
# Hagstrom Guitar Giveaway Jam, A Lady won for the first time!!
# Chunga’s Revenge with solos
# Billy the Mountain (28 minutes)
# Andy
# Dirty Love
# Uncle Remus
# Willie the Pimp
# Wind Up Workin’ in a Gas Station
# San Ber’dino
# Yo Mama
# Black Napkins
# Encore: getting a little foggy for me, some one else help us out
# Muffin Man


Last edited by Diesel Dummy on Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:21 am, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:21 am 
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Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:56 am
Posts: 1
Location: Northern Idaho
This was my first ZPZ show. My Tivo recorded the PBS special recently and I was blown away. Didn't even know Dweezil was performing his dad's stuff. And I call myself a zappa fan... Next thing I knew I was on a plane to Portland to see the show.

Anyway, aside from the sound being a bit harsh in spots, the show was outstanding! A great addition to the 4 Frank shows I managed to see over the years. I managed to score 3rd row center (Thanks Tom, hope your injury heals up and you managed to remember your leatherman) and loved every second of it. The musician-ship was commendable all around, and it was great to see Ray White on stage again. Highlight for me was City of Tiny Lights and Willy the Pimp. Big Fun!!! "Ray White, quit smokin' all that dope..."

To the prior poster, I believe the first encore song was Black Napkins -- another highlight for me. Oh yea, seeing Dweezil pay proper tribute in Billy the Mountain ("the influence of a frozen beefpie" and "whether he's really a nice person, or if he has a son named Pinocchio or what") warmed my heart.

Thanks gang for a truly memorable evening. Looking forward to the MP3 -- but please, take all the time you need!


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 Post subject: Saturday's theatrics
PostPosted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:37 am 
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Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:59 am
Posts: 2
I usually wouldn't take the time to post here, but the show blew my mind. Although I saw FZ many times over the years-I feel lucky for that-this was my first time to see DZ and company-and I feel lucky for that! The music was great...From the opener(s)-City of Tiny Lites and Peaches were on my request list-to the monumental Billy the Mountain, all thru the show-The Dirty Love sung by Sheila was really great...And speaking of Sheila, she's me and my girlfriend's new hero-what a great musician, with great energy, and a nice shirt (the wings look very cool, both front and back-I am supposed to find out where to buy one). Anyhow, she's very cool. Wrapping up the main show w/ guitar fireworks on Yo Mama, then Black Napkins and Muffin Man (it's still stuck in my head) for the encore.

We traveled over 200 miles for this show and it was totally worth it. I'm thinking SoCal in late Feb, early March might be in order...I will need some sun by then-it gets pretty cold over here in Central Oregon where we live. BTW, take your time to get it right-live recordings can be a pain, and I for one appreciate your efforts, havng done a few myself. In the meantime, I've been pulling out some good old Frank (now playing: St. Alphonso's Pancake Breakfast-where I stole the margarine).

Thanks again...the world needs more of this, especially now. yeah!

jimmy the pimp

PS...While I seem to be pumped up on Sheila...My girlfriend seems to be enamored by the bass player, Pete. Oh well, at least we have each other, eh?
And one other thing...While I know the FZ catalog is huge and challenging to say the least-We would love to hear some of what's going on w/ Dweezil musically-maybe one or two now and then? Who knows, we might like it.


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 Post subject: I guess it was Friday's Theatrics
PostPosted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:41 am 
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Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:59 am
Posts: 2
This holiday stuff has me all messed up-The show on Friday seemed like Saturday to me-just don't ask me what day it is today...

jimmy


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 Post subject: Another amazing show
PostPosted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:46 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:10 pm
Posts: 8
Location: Oregon
Thanks for another great show. This was my 6th and my girlfriends 4th ZPZ Face melting experience.

Jimmy- nice to see another Central Oregon person representing. Perhaps we can get ZPZ to come to Les Schwaab or the domino room one of these fine times through.

It has been over a year since we in the NW have been blessed with the opportunity to enjoy this unique experience and we were starving for it.

If you can make it through closer to Frank's Birthday this year it would be much appreciated....in fact, if there are any holes in the schedule next month..... :)

From start to finish it was a rollicking good time. My only complaint was super super drunk guy in the 4th row center- we came to hear the band, not you! -

Anyway, thanks for keeping this amazing music alive. This was a great experience again and you all rock.

KM


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 Post subject: Hawthorne Theatre
PostPosted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:26 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:02 pm
Posts: 1
Before I post my little review of the show, I wanted to first extend a very sincere thank you to the band and every one else who made it possible for this show to happen. It was VERY appreciated.

My third show, and yes they have gotten better every time. This one was actually better by leaps and bounds. The others were amazing as well, but this one...

I bought two tickets, so I got to vote for 10 songs. I used 5 of those votes to vote for a face melting guitar fest, and that request was met in a major way. Thank you for that. I spent half of the show peeling my face off the floor. The Chunga's and yo mamma were like nothing I have ever experienced. Anyone out there who is debating whether or not to see ZPZ in the future, do your self a favor and DO IT. You will NOT be disappointed.
Before I go, I also want to say thanks for all the cool stuff entailed in the show itself. The download, the guitar give away, the voting on the set list, All of it. You really catered to the fans on this one, and it made for a really fun concert experience, especially for all us Zappaphiles. Please come to Portland as often as you can. I was looking forward to the show for months, it happened, and now I've got nothing to look forward to (except for the birth of my first child). After seeing a show like that, most other concerts would be...how do I say this...BORING to go to. Thnks for the memories!!!!


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 Post subject: Thank You, ZPZ!
PostPosted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:09 am 
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Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:13 am
Posts: 1
Location: In a van down by the river...
This is my first post after being blessed to have witnessed all of the previous Portland shows.
I like the concept of the large band/small stage but the sit-in-yer-chair shows make it extremely hard to see the other half of the band. Quite frankly I would have gladly stood for all 3 hrs. but I don't think the people behind me wanted to stare into the backside of a 6 foot 6, 350 lb. guy.
That aside; the show blew my friggin' mind and I hope DZ and the Zappa family continue to bless us with Frank's music EVERY year (and a FZ channel on Sirius wouldn't be a bad idea either). These shows mean the world to us, so again I say THANK YOU.

BTW, if you buy the VIP passes by all means get there early. I mean like 4 hrs. early. I arrived at the required 2 1/2 hrs. early only to find out I had missed the sound check and the voting. Although I must take the time to thank a guy named Bill for giving me his tour poster. Thanx Bro!


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:20 pm 
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Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 4:45 pm
Posts: 2
You are quite welcome Gonzzo.... Bill AKA Diesel Dummy


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 Post subject: With the will of the wind blows!
PostPosted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:27 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:12 am
Posts: 3
Location: Oregon
Ladies & Gentlemen!
The ZPZ ENSEMBLE, as it were, found itself well adjusted to the venue, the also acclimating consistently attending, steadfast faithful fans, adjusted to the fixed seating arrangement. The wealth of items from the vault procured by the maestro, have yet to find the depths of exhaustion on stage to this date. What were once habits of old have found there way to the latest of stages these past few years and now have started to free up the instinctual habits of new (ZPZ group). Along with a few new antics worthy of attending the show such as a very cool offering of the remixed show for download in the very near future and a FREE GUITAR!!
Both opportunities were obtainable via a laminated pass of YCFOSA.
The subject matter respectfully granted to the audience this fine evening has been, yet again warmly received, and above all very much so heartfelt. There will never be a day that an avid fan would not re-adjust his or her life style that year to attend such a fine requiem of music to behold. The persona from the stage was professional, well rehearsed, now even to the point of the artist’ have seemingly found there own spirits moving with the sway of Franks music rather than standing on the fact that they are REALLY GREAT musicians and CAN hit all the notes. This could be heard throughout the show and I for one am happy for those tenacious tendencies however minuscule.
I find myself working for the efforts of acceptance, and to resolve the misunderstanding of Franks’ music and all of the presumptions in topical conversation with anyone who has or has not listened to all the notes. I did hear tinges of the new subject matter, and it was sweet. I just wish we could have the cake without melting the ice cream.
The fact is that without a youthful following the band may not have a following at all once we kick to be with Frank. I have seen a few youthful tendencies inquisitive enough to follow. However, we do not have The Baked Potato up here to see the really fine stuff that goes on. We are out working out the finer details of our lives just to get a little glimpse of what once was.
The Venue worked, ZPZ worked this venue. FOH engineer, after a belly up to the bar went to his position and never left it. It was nice to see him again.
On the outside now, I have also heard some of Dweezil’s latest creations as background music on a few greatly respected programs. Not to mention Frank Zappas name came up on Jeopardy & who Wants’ to be a Millionaire on New Years day TV.
Believe me as my kids sing; “Plastic People” way before ever thinking ‘Louie Louie’ came first.
This is my fourth show in attendance. I was fifth in line at about 2:30 pm. The house staff of this facility were very honorable as I had been given a quarter for the El Vira Pinball machine, (the game ate my first one) and played this ball for about ten minutes. The ball finally was lodged by a bone in El Viras’ throat No kidding ask the Bartender. We unplugged her at that point.
There was this couple outside the venue inebriated and were willing to share, I did not accept this challenge as my wits worth were to be tested by the ZPZ event just inside. They were having too much fun. The Police came and took them to the pokey, This was the only thing that bothered me that evening because as the girl was handcuffed and placed just outside the bar window she looked at me, she was sad very sad unlike the happy person I had encountered earlier she was looking at me with such sadness I hurt, deeply. She was just having fun at the wrong place & time. I hope she is well now.
However, I digress. The performance was outstanding, all talent intact.

The secret word for tonight for me was Glendale.

May I suggest a TOUR-DE-DZ :idea:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are all just Singers in the woods.
Cabbagepatch

_________________
Music IS The Best


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 Post subject: Re: 02 January 2009: Portland, OR
PostPosted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:23 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:01 pm
Posts: 2
I've seen all 3 ZPZ shows in Portland. This show was just as AWSOME as the other 2. I went for the VIP deal and it was WAY COOL. Coming in and hanging out for part of the sound check was supremely cool. Really up close and personal. It really added a whole different element to the show itself. Seeing a band this good and this close, 2nd row center, like 10 feet away from Dweezil, PRICELESS!! The only bad thing was in the name of the tour itself. By that I mean, this band really doesnt fit on this stage. Literally. We could not see Joe or Aaron at all. We could not hear most of the vocals very well at all. In all fairness, Dweezil warned us about that in the soundcheck. But, I'm NOT passing up the opportunity to see this band this close. I only mention this, for you Dweezil, as a long time FZ fan and equally ZPZ fan, it is VERY important to be able to see and hear the entire band. This band and this show are just too good for any part to be missed. That aside, this was an AMAZING show. It is SO COOL to see this great music live. It is beyond COOL to see these shows with my sons. (2 of them now) Seeing FZ the first time 31 years ago and seeing this show now..........with my son................I really cant put into words how COOL this is or how much it means to me as a true FZ fan. Dweezil, I cannot help but think that Frank would be VERY proud of you for ALL of this. You are doing a truely excellent job of bringing Franks music to life on stage. In EVERY way and down to the tiniest detail. And for that, I thank you from my heart. If ZPZ is coming to your town, take your kids and GO!!! Not even the couple of very loud, way too drunk chuckleheads behind me could take anything away from how good this show was. And thats saying something!!


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 Post subject: Re: 02 January 2009: Portland, OR
PostPosted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:54 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:38 pm
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I have seen ZPZ all 3 times they have been to Portland, and I got to say I hate the Hawthorne. The ticket I bought for the show said general admission, but when I got to the door, they made me and my brother stand at the door because we are minors and need to be escorted to our seats. I have been to many concerts before and I have never been escorted before. So it was instict for me to ask why I needed to be walked to my seat. The girl incharge of moving the group of minors told me it was due to the fact that Zappa is an ADULT show and people my age were not expected. We were forced to sit in the balcony where we could be watched with the other 5 people who were not yet 21. The sole reason for me buying a 100 dollar ticket was to be on the floor where I could dance and enjoy myself with other people who love Frank's legacy enough to dance with me and pay the ticket price. Instead I was forced into the "nose bleeds" , which you could not even leave to the bathroom without an escort and you had to strain to hear anything. My brother and I were not even allowed to go to the merchandise table, which you could see clearly from the balcony. I knew I wanted to buy the zpz army style jacket, but when I walked towards the table a security gaurd yelled at my brother and I, and pushed him out the exit door. This got me just about as evil as an eskimo could be. My best friend George was there in the chicken suit and he got to meet the band after the show. I had to stand outside and wait for an "adult" in a chicken suit to finish meeting the people I respect more than any other musicians out there. I'm not angry at the band. I love the band. Four years ago I was litterally crying over the fact that I would never see Frank's sound sculptures played live on stage. I wake up every morning and listen to an album from his extensive catalog and it makes me happier than anything else I hear in the day. So to be forced to be the farthest away from something I love so much, really hurt me.
My aim with posting this letter isn't jealousy towards my friend or anger with the band. But to let Dweezil and the rest of the group know how much I love and apreciate what they do, but how I got screwed out of enjoying it by the venue.


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 Post subject: Re: 02 January 2009: Portland, OR
PostPosted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 5:16 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:02 pm
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Just got a really good idea...Seeing as how the Canada shows are over, maybe you have to pass back through P-town? Well...(I know, I wonder where this is going)Why dont you guys just go ahead and stop here and play another quick little show. M'kay? Kay.


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 Post subject: Re: 02 January 2009: Portland, OR
PostPosted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:38 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:38 pm
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Please never play at the Hawthorne again.


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 Post subject: Yeah, the Hawthorne Theater sucked..
PostPosted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:40 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:17 pm
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I enjoyed the show, but I liked the Paramount Theater in Seattle (or probably any other REAL theater) in November 2007 A LOT MORE. The Hawthorne is an old Masonic Temple that the Masons should have held onto. Those folding chairs had to have been made about the time electricity was discovered. The Paramount had better sound and more comfortable seating. And it cost less. While the sound check was OK, it was the typical start and stop that all rehearsals are. Fine for the players, but of low value to the audience.

The download will be a nice momento, when it's available.

Keep it up Dweezil, just pick nicer venues.


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