Free from his Warner Brothers Records contract, Frank Zappa was able to issue new albums as frequently as he liked, which would turn out to be very frequently. Six months after the release of the two-record set Sheik Yerbouti, he was ready with the first LP in a three-record set, a cautionary concept piece about the adventures of a musician named Joe. In Act I, Zappa continued his fascination with road stories, ethnic stereotypes ("Catholic Girls"), and bathroom activities ("Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?"). But although his concern with government censorship would see a later flowering in his battles with the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), here he wasn't able to use it to fulfill a satisfying dramatic function. [The complete Joe's Garage was released as a double CD on Rykodisc on June 17, 1987.]

Shearwater will perform in Courtenay at Joe's Garage Friday, November 20 at 8pm. Tickets $15, available at Sound Advice, Bop City, or from the band.

... audience of Central Vancouver Island/Gabriola Island! She'll perform November 22nd at Joe's Garage, Courtenay. Showtime 8:00 pm. Tickets $15 at the door.

His band The Fabulous Entourage appeared as part of the 2006 Whitney Biennial, on the Knitting Factory Mainstage, at Joe's Pub, Viper Room, Bowery Ballroom, ...

And now, eight years later, those forces have another attack planned — and it's Joe's job to stop it. By Paul Auster In 1967, Adam Walker is a second-year ...