On Friday, December 15th the Community Center for the Performing Arts proudly welcomes Stinkfoot Orchestra with Ray White to the WOW Hall.
Stinkfoot Orchestra with Ray White
The Stinkfoot Orchestra pulls no punches – delivering two sets of Frank’s music via a 14-piece ensemble
which incorporates a six-piece horn section, tuned percussion, and five vocalists. Founded in 2019 by Nick Chargin – a 35-year veteran of the SF Bay Area music scene, the Stinkfoot Orchestra has been bringing their show to the stage since September of 2021 – with Zappa alumni such as Ike Willis and Napoleon Murphy Brock tagging along for the ride at every show.
This tour features Ray White who first joined Frank’s touring ensemble in late 1976 on rhythm guitar and vocals. While being a talented guitarist in his own right, Ray was primarily brought on board for his strong vocal abilities – and he wasted no time in cementing his place in Zappa history with his performance on the 1978 release, Live in New York. He continued to tour with Frank through 1984 and his unmistakable tenor voice was featured on no less than 15 albums released while Frank was still alive as well as countless posthumous releases. Ray joined Dweezil on tour with Zappa Plays Zappa in 2007 and has played a major role in multiple Zappa alumni projects including Band From Utopia and, most recently, the Zappa Band.
The Stinkfoot Orchestra presents the intricacies and eccentricities of Frank’s music with power, authenticity, and musical prowess – leaving even the most critical Zappaphile pining for more. If you were able to catch one of the ensemble’s last trips to Eugene, you know what an amazing show to expect. If you missed it, don’t make the same mistake twice.
“The Stinkfoot Orchestra with Napoleon Murphy Brock admirably delivered all the musical virtuosity, compositional non-conformity, and satire of American culture that Frank Zappa distilled within his extensive oeuvre. The impression left upon driving home from this experience was one of deep appreciation mixed with laughter and amazement.” – Ted Silverman, Jambase
