Frank Zappa Day declared in the US

September 19 has been declared Frank Zappa Day in Baltimore.

The date marks the anniversary of the 1985 testimony on Capitol Hill when Zappa took a stand for free speech at a Senate hearing instigated by the PMRC led by Tipper Gore, wife of Al Gore concerning censorship of music.

The Mayor of Baltimore will officially declare September 19 Frank Zappa Day with a full weekend of celebrations and the renaming of a stretch of road along Eastern Avenue between Conkling and Eaton Streets in Highlandtown being marked as Frank Zappa Way.

A free concert, headlined by Frank's son Dweezil Zappa will take place that Sunday afternoon.

The events on September 18 and 19 are:

Saturday, September 18th

2pm- Free Open Dialogue with Gail Zappa, Pratt Library Southeast Anchor Branch (3601 Eastern Avenue, Highlandtown): Frank Zappa's wife Gail will speak about topics ranging from freedom of expression to the place of the library in society, and just about anything else the audience wants to engage on in a free-form open Q&A format. Space is extremely limited – contact the library for reservations at ckleback@prattlibrary.org.

Sunday, September 19th

12pm- Free Outdoor Concert begins, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown, opening lineup to include Baltimore-based experimental rock ensemble Arbouretum and more to be announced

2pm- Dedication Ceremony, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown

3pm- Free Outdoor Concert continues, intersection of Eastern Avenue and Conkling Street, Highlandtown, featuring: Dweezil Zappa and Grammy Award-winning Zappa Plays Zappa

7pm- Doors Open for the 'Arts District After Party,' the Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Avenue), featuring: Big in Japan and Telesma, food and bar available onsite.