When the University of Hawaii at Hilo Jazz Orchestra Zappa 6: Holiday in Berlin show hits the stage Dec. 5 and 6, there is a goal beyond just the performance itself — getting the band to Germany in July.

In early 2018, the 20-plus piece Jazz Orchestra was invited to perform as part of the 2019 Zappanale festival — a three-day celebration of all things Zappa — in Bad Doberan, Germany. With hopes of showcasing the efforts of UH-Hilo’s young musicians to a wider audience, the orchestra’s 7:30 p.m. performances both nights at the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center are a fundraising event to help the students take their show on the road.

ADVERTISING

This is the sixth year the UH-Hilo Jazz Orchestra has performed tribute shows to the late, great American composer, performer and musical iconoclast Frank Zappa. The shows have received national and international notoriety, with Zappa’s son, Dweezil Zappa, performing with the band at last year’s concerts.

Under the direction of Trever Veilleux, the Jazz Orchestra will bring to life a selection of music from Zappa’s extensive catalog, including albums such as “Burnt Weeny Sandwich,” “Sleep Dirt” and “Chunga’s Revenge.”

“The music takes a journey through hard rock, elegant jazz, delightfully bizarre neo-classical tangents, driving progressive adventures, and soulful rhythm and blues, all culminating in a sound that can only be described as ‘Zappa,’” Veilleux said.

The Zappa tribute shows have become a Hilo tradition. Zappa’s music, with its virtuosity, humor, and high energy is best experienced live in concert — which is why these shows sell out year after year,

ADVERTISING

Tickets are open seating and priced at $12 general, $10 seniors, $5 students with valid ID &children ages 17 and under. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

For more information, or to order tickets, contact the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center box office at 932-7490 or go online to artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.