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Dweezil Zappa Brings A Night of Nostalgia and Innovation with "Rox(postroph)y Tour"

Musicians perform on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11
Dweezil Zappa, and his touring band, perform during the Rox(postroph)y tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11 in Riverside, Ca Stephen Day

On January 11, 2025, Dweezil Zappa brought his "Rox(postroph)y Tour" to the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, California, delivering a dynamic performance that paid homage to his father's legacy while showcasing his own musical prowess. The tour commemorates the 50th anniversaries of Frank Zappa's seminal albums Apostrophe (') and Roxy & Elsewhere.

Musicians perform on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside Ca on Jan 11
Dweezil Zappa, the son of the late Frank Zappa, performs during his Rox(postroph)y tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11 in Riverside, Ca an icon of a camera Stephen Day

The evening's setlist was a carefully curated mix of Frank Zappa classics and Dweezil's interpretations, delighting both longtime fans and newcomers. Highlights included "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow," "Inca Roads," and "Cosmik Debris," each performed with technical precision and a deep understanding of the original compositions. The band also treated the audience to a rendition of "Pound For A Brown," featuring guest guitarist Pritesh Walia, adding a fresh dynamic to the performance.

Musicians perform on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11
Dweezil Zappa, and his touring band, with audience guest Magdelena do a dance contest version of Aproximate during the Rox(postroph)y tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11 in Riverside, Ca an icon of a camera Stephen Day

A standout moment of the night occurred during the performance of "Approximate," a Frank Zappa classic known for its playful blend of music and movement. Dweezil invited a member of the audience, Magdalena, to join him on stage to compete in a dance-off set to the song's freeform rhythm. The performance turned into a thrilling spectacle as Magdalena's expressive and energetic dance moves won the hearts of the crowd. Audience members cast their votes by applause, and Magdalena's resounding victory was met with cheers and laughter, making it one of the most memorable highlights of the evening.

Musicians perform on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11
Kurt Morgan, bassist for the Dweezil Zappa touring band, performs during the Rox(postroph)y tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11 in Riverside, Ca an icon of a camera Stephen Day

Overall, the innovative way that Zappa brought his father's songs to life, and updated them with his own flair and ingenuity provided an amazing experience for new and die-hard Zappa fans. His touring band all showcased impressive skills, especially Schelia Gonzalez and Kevin Bents who both switched seamlessly between instruments as Gonzalez played the Sax, the flute, the clarinet, and keyboards and Bents played drums and guitars, and sometimes guitar with drumsticks. Bassist Kurt Morgan was a hoot to watch as he danced with Gonzalez and brought the songs to life with his facial expressions and movements.

Musicians perform on stage at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11
Keyboardist performs during the Rox(postroph)y tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center on Jan 11 in Riverside, Ca an icon of a camera Stephen Day

This performance is part of Dweezil Zappa's ongoing tour, which continues to celebrate and reinterpret the complex and innovative music of Frank Zappa, ensuring that the Zappa legacy remains vibrant and influential in today's music scene. Even if you have never heard of Frank Zappa or his music, the show is delight, the music is amazing, and the experience is a must!

You can see our complete photo set on Flickr.

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Stephen Day
Photographer
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