Tying it all together: Frank Zappa Day and Movember in Baltimore

As it was widely reported this past Sunday, a big ol’ statue of Frank Zappa’s head – Baltimore’s own prolific avant garde rock/jazz/classical/everything else musician and defender of free speech – was dedicated in Highlandtown in front of a crowd of billions. While the idea as to where it should have gone was expressed a little while ago, I’m sure everyone is pleased as punch that the head finally has a home in Baltimore.

And if I might for a minute suggest to you all – watch this, one of Frank’s final interviews in 1993 on the Today Show, where he quietly expresses some of his opinions on his career, the sickness that cut his life prematurely, and how he wanted to be remembered – only a few short months before passing away. It’s absolutely amazing. (more after the video)

Duly noted that Frank Zappa died of prostate cancer in December of 1993, and even though he was screened for the disease he still wound up developing a terminal case and passed away within 3 years…

…also duly noted that while September 19th is officially (for the 3rd time) Frank Zappa Day, it is also the kickoff of the official Movember campaign, the leadup to the greatest month of raising awareness and charity funds known to man. Starting November 1st, Movember begins with men growing fantastic mustaches and spreading the word about men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer, all while attempting to raise funds for cancer research by getting folks to sponsor their fluffy facial hair. Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has raised over $43 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Livestrong Campaign, with each year getting bigger and bigger. Last year, several Baltimore area mustache enthusiasts threw a bar crawl and subsequently raised roughly $2000 for Movember, with plans for this year’s extravaganza in the works.

So to tie it all together: Frank Zappa, a man from Baltimore known for his facial hair (and music), struck down by men’s health issues. Movember in the Baltimore area, a charity drive focusing on men’s health issues and facial hair in Baltimore. Did I get this right?

Either way, consider this the official kickoff for this year’s Movember campaign. You can follow us for updates on our upcoming amazifying charity efforts via these neato social media outlets:

@movemberbmore

Movember in Baltimore

http://www.movemberbaltimore.com – (updated soon)

MORE TO COME!