But Zappa was never content to just push the boundaries educated in chamber music and orchestra percussion and inspired by revolutionary composer Edgard Varèse, Frank took the R&B form, shook it, and stretched its premise so out of shape that the music became something else. For example, "Plastic People" on their second LP, Absolutely Free, was a takeoff on Richard Berry's 1956 recording of "Louie Louie." A later album, Cruising With Ruben & the Jets, has gone down in history as the greatest doo-wop parody – but it was excellent doo-wop nonetheless, with songs like "Deseri" and "Jelly Roll Gum Drop."Īlong with such '60s groups as the Rolling Stones, Them, Traffic and Led Zeppelin, Zappa's Mothers of Invention expanded rhythm & blues in ways never previously imagined, by incorporating classical music, swing jazz and other diverse styles. ![]() You guessed it – Bob was Frank Zappa.Įven after he and Ray Collins formed the Mothers of Invention, they couldn't keep away from their roots. Then there's Bob Guy, whose "Letters From Jeepers" will be loved long after the Platters are forgotten (but not until then). In 1964, the Hogs sang "Loose Lips Sinc Ships" for the Hanna-Barbera label – yep, Frank again. The 1961 West Coast hit "Memories of El Monte" by the Penguins (of "Earth Angel" fame) was written and produced by Zappa. Remember "How's Your Bird?" and "The World's Greatest Sinner" by Baby Ray & the Ferns, or the Heartbreakers' "Everytime I See You," both from 1963? Well, Frank Zappa was on those records. The name Frank Zappa does not immediately conjure up visions of rhythm and blues, but in fact the Lancaster, Califomia, native got his start in the music business writing, singing and producing doo-wop and R&B duets (with Ray Collins). Well, you can see where this is going.The Broadcast Industry Is A Big Disappointment By J.P. She sings like a dream, and they all fall in love with her “Fools Fall in Love.” Of course, she’s attracted to the bad boy, which angers her conservative father. The boss’ daughter Lois (Lydia Halbach) knows the boys from church. Enter Duke (Jacob Hanson) the cool cat with a motorcycle and leather jacket who works for the car shop that is sponsoring the boys. They’re searching for a fourth singer to complete their quartet. Three young men, Eugene (Oliver Knudson), Wally (Noah Barnhart) and Denny (Jaydon Friedel) meet in Denny’s basement where they rehearse and dream of winning a contest and being discovered for their talent. The musical is your typical guy group story. It felt like a safe and comfortable way to enjoy live theater. The performers wore face shields while performing. Some people removed them after they’d settled into a spot on the lawn, marked with social distancing guidelines, and some people wore their masks during the entire performance. Many people came wearing masks (you can also purchase one there) and kept them on while in line for tickets and while paying. You could bring your own beverage (no alcohol, please), or buy a bottle of water there. Some people brought snacks, sandwiches, even take out. People brought their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. They sprayed for mosquitoes, and I didn’t get any bug bites despite having bare legs and wearing sandals. The temperature last night was ideal, low 70’s, low humidity, slightly overcast, so no glaring sun. All the best toe-tapping, tug at your heartstrings songs!Ĭast of Sh-Boom! Life Could be a Dream, BCT at CLC, summer 2020 Both shows, created by Roger Bean, feature favorite songs of the 1950’s and ’60’s. The Marvelous Wonderettes, directed by Amy Borash, will be presented August 3-6, also at 6:30. This week you can see Sh-Boom! Life Could be a Dream, directed by Travis Chaput, at 6:30 on the South lawn of the college, Monday-Thursday, weather permitting, with Saturday as an alternate date in case of a rain out. ![]() When I heard that Brainerd Community Theater (BCT) at CLC had plans to do two summer shows, outdoors, I quickly put it on my calendar and volunteered to usher opening nights of both shows. Theaters have been dark in Minnesota since the middle of March due to the global pandemic of Covid-19. It felt like a dream to go to a live theater production last night on the lawn at Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd. CLC Theater Director Patrick Spradlin chats with patrons before the show on the lawn at Central Lakes College.
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