PRESS RELEASE
Mosae Zappa 2025 – November 28–30, Heerlen
“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.” – Frank Zappa

Since 2012, a festival has been taking place in the south of Limburg dedicated entirely to the American composer Frank Zappa.
It started in Maastricht and came of age in Heerlen. The goal of the festival: to keep Frank Zappa’s music alive and to discover and embrace other music that exists “outside the norm.”

Once again this year, Mosae Zappa promises musical surprises directly or indirectly connected to Frank Zappa.

“Zappa’s music is adventurous and, for many, still unexplored territory. Since his death in 1993, new fans have emerged, and more and more people have become curious about music that isn’t mainstream. For all of them, Mosae Zappa is the ultimate refuge.”

In previous years, the festival has welcomed artists such as Dweezil Zappa (Frank’s son) and Captain Beefheart guitarist Gary Lucas.

Program 2025

Friday, November 28 – Café Bluff, Heerlen
The kick-off is the legendary “What is this, a quiz? Quiz.” Who will earn the title of Zappa expert—or even Zappa King—for the weekend?
Expect a hilarious quiz full of typical Zappa twists and absurd humor.
In addition, The Disco Boys will spin the very best Zappa records to get everyone in the right mood.
Admission: free.

Saturday, November 29 – Heerlen
11:00 – Het Bètahuis
Talk and Q&A with Tim Op het Broek (founder of Mosae Zappa) and Michel Delville (The Wrong Object).
Delville is a Belgian composer, guitarist, and writer who was named one of the top three guitarists in the 2018 International Jazz Station Poll. He will also perform several Zappa pieces live.
Admission: free.

Lunch – Pat’s Tosti Bar
Enjoy a delicious Zappa toastie with live background music from The Arf Duo. Zappa as background music? Think jazz, of course!
Admission: free.

Evening – De Nieuwe Nor
A night full of international and local top acts:

• Enjaku Yoyo – Local heroes (with Japanese roots). Expect hyperpop, jazz, guitar virtuosity, and plenty of Zappa-inspired winks.

• Orange Claw Hammer (UK) – One of the best Captain Beefheart tribute bands around, known from Zappanale (Europe’s biggest Zappa festival).

• Heath (NL) – Perhaps the best band in the Netherlands right now. Hypnotic guitar waves, psychedelic jams. For fans of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and Grateful Dead.

• Uncle Meat (NL) – The traditional festival closer: a full-blown Zappa tribute band with horns and guitar firepower that will keep you buzzing for months. Party guaranteed.