Bob Dorough to Join Zen for Primates at the Zipper, 7/19

The Zipper Factory will present the acclaimed theatrical indie band Zen for Primates, who will celebrate the release of their latest CD "Stella" with an exclusive NYC performance on Thursday, July 19 at 8:00 p.m.   The band will be joined by Bob Dorough ("Schoolhouse Rocks!"), the renowned American bebop and cool jazz pianist, composer and vocalese singer, who also performs on "Stella."

Zen for Primates is: T. Roth (vocals), Mike Krisukas (guitar and vocals); Jodi Bender (cello), Shelagh Maloney (violin) and Pete Fluck (sax and harmonica).

In 1987, singer T. Roth and guitarist Mike Krisukas joined creative forces to form an 8-piece Rock-n-Roll Circus, "The Incredible Baby Eddie." This band combined Mike's unique musical sensibilities with T.'s love of theatre and song.  While touring with "Baby Eddie," T. and Mike began another project with violinist Mark Golin and sax player Dave Smith.  Critically received, this quartet became Zen for Primates. "Zen's highly original sound (no bass or drums) and their polished theatrical performance quickly impressed music industry people as they played gigs in New York and their native Philly.  In 1992, Zen began working with producer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Living Color, Talking Heads) and they released their first CD 'Albatross.'  A year later they shot their first music video.

In the mid-90s, Mike founded Bummer Tent Records, producing and recording other artists.  T. Roth also pursued theatre and reunited with Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres to perform as "Another Pretty Face," his cult band from the NYC-glam rock scene of the 70's and 80's.  Zen for Primates has continued to play and tour selectively since that time.

The band has released four more CDs:  "Blessed Are The Sheep Herders," "It's Polka Time," "When It's Christmas Time in Tibet" and the just released "Stella."

Bob Dorough, American bebop and cool jazz pianist, composer and vocalese singer, has in his 50-plus year career worked with such artists as Miles Davis and Allen Ginsberg, and is perhaps best known as a voice and primary composer of many of the songs used in "Schoolhouse Rock," a series of educational animated shorts that appeared on Saturday morning television (1973-1985). Dorough composed, conducted and played much of the "Schoolhouse Rock" music. He most recent vocal jazz, "Small Day Tomorrow," came out in 2006.

Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased in advance by calling Ovation Tickets at 212-352-3101.  Reservations can also be made by calling 212-563-0480.  (Theatre Box Office will open two hours prior to curtain on the night of the performance).

For reservations for The Zipper Factory Tavern, call 212-695-4600.  For more information, please visit: www.thezipperfactory.com.