Zappanale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zappanale |
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|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Dates | Weekend in July |
| Location(s) | Bad Doberan, Germany |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Founded by | Arf-Society |
The Zappanale is a yearly music festival held near Bad Doberan, a town in Germany. This festival celebrates the music of the famous composer and guitarist Frank Zappa. It also features other unique and experimental music. Many musicians who played with Frank Zappa have performed at the festival over the years. The first Zappanale festival took place in 1990.
About the Zappanale Festival
Many people who organize the Zappanale festival grew up in East Germany. During that time, Frank Zappa's music was not allowed in some countries in Eastern Europe. One of the festival's founders, Wolfhard Kutz, was even watched by the East German secret police, called the Stasi, because he liked Zappa's music.
In 1992, the German government allowed people to see their Stasi files. Wolfhard Kutz found out that his file said he "knows how to influence the youth with Zappa." When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, people in East Germany gained more freedom. Kutz could then openly enjoy his passion for Zappa's music. He started a fan club called "Arf-Society."
The first Zappanale was a small party with just one band playing Zappa songs. Since then, the festival has grown a lot. About 2,000 people attend each year. The Arf-Society, which became an official group in 1993, organizes the festival. In 2002, the organizers helped raise money for a bronze statue of Frank Zappa. A sculptor from the Czech Republic, Václav Česák, created it. This statue is now in the center of Bad Doberan.
Legal Challenge for the Festival
In November 2007, the family of Frank Zappa, known as the Zappa Family Trust, took legal action against the festival. They claimed the festival used the Zappa name and image without their permission. Court meetings were held in Düsseldorf in August 2008. Both sides were given time to try and settle the issue outside of court.
In January 2009, the court made a decision. The court ruled against the Zappa family. This was because they could not show enough proof that they actively used their trademarks in Germany. The court decided that this active use was necessary to win the case.
External Links
- Official Zappanale website: http://www.zappanale.de/
- Performer Ray White's official site: http://raywhitemusic.com/
- Performer Ike Willis' official site: http://www.ikewillis.com/
- Performer Project-Object's official site: http://www.projectobject.com/
