Finally: after the Hilo Jazz Orchestra from Hawaii was already scheduled for Zappanale #31, they'll finally be appearing at #35.
The Hilo Jazz Orchestra: From the Big Island to Zappanale 2026
From the volcanic slopes of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, the Hilo Jazz Orchestra (HJO) has earned a global reputation for its high-voltage, highly entertaining, tributes to the music of Frank Zappa. Under the direction of composer and guitarist Trever Veilleux, the HJO has spent over a decade performing works from the Zappa canon, blending "Aloha Spirit" with the rigorous technical demands of Frank’s challenging compositions.
“Zappa U” & The Living Legacy
The orchestra's deep dive into the Zappa universe is immortalized in the documentary film "Zappa U." The film tracks the band through twelve weeks of rehearsals, tackling Frank Zappa’s complex compositions, and concludes with the final concert hall experience. The film features expert commentary from industry titans and Zappa alumni, including sax legend Lou Marini, former SNL Music Director and Emmy winning composer Cheryl “Quack” Moore, and Chiu “Ray” Leong, the photographer behind the iconic Freak Out! cover. The film earned the approval of the Zappa estate, with Ahmet Zappa (Trustee of the Zappa Family Trust) noting, “Love their passion, love their playing; love that this happens every year.”
The Live Experience: "All Pistons Firing"
HJO’s live performances have become a cultural touchstone in Hawaiʻi, with annual sold-out performances that push musicians to their limits. John Burnett of the Hawaii Tribune-Herald observed this evolution firsthand, stating, “Every semester, I think Trever Veilleux and the Hilo Jazz Orchestra can't do a better show... and every semester they prove me wrong.” This reputation for excellence led to a landmark 2017 performance where the orchestra was joined on stage by Dweezil Zappa and Ike Willis. The energy of these live tributes was captured by Cheryl “Quack” Moore, who remarked after a particularly inspired set: “Holy Mother Frikkin Mouse Ears!! WAHOO—everything was workin'—all your pistons were firing—& there were some VERY inspired solos.”
The Road to Zappanale 2026
Bringing their sound to Zappanale 2026 in Bad Doberan marks a new chapter for the HJO. By translating Zappa’s work through the lens of volcanic, island-born energy, Trever Veilleux and the HJO prove that Frank’s music remains a living, breathing, and profoundly "happening" art form. They arrive in Germany not just to perform a tribute, but to continue the dialogue of a musical legacy that spans oceans and generations.
Filmography: Zappa U: The Film (Documentary)
Notable Collaborators: Dweezil Zappa, Ike Willis
European Tour Configuration: 9-piece ensemble
