Description
"I first conceived of the Squirrel Nut Zippers starring in Fat City thirty years ago while recording in Metairie, Louisiana. I learned the city had attempted to rebrand its entertainment district as "Fat City"—a cut-rate alternative to the French Quarter. Though the rebranding failed, I was haunted by the image of a place trying to be something it wasn't. I spent my time there absorbing the shabby melodramas unfolding within the fading nightclubs and strip clubs.
Fast-forward to 2025: I began weaving decades of material into a long-form recording—part Beggar’s Opera, part literary narrative, and rooted in jazz and cabaret. The central character, Lil Tony, is based on my grandfather, Tony Malvezzi. He began the 20th century as a bootlegger and juke joint operator before becoming a post-WWII big band promoter at venues like the Peabody in Memphis and the Old Absinthe House in New Orleans. The stories within Fat City are drawn directly from his memories.
To capture the proper intrigue, we recorded while on tour with the SNZ Christmas Caravan in December 2025. We set up microphones in historic spaces like Turner Hall and the Stoughton Opera House, utilizing the natural acoustics of these lovely old theaters.
The result is a sprawling musical narrative—part fiction, part non-fiction, and part autobiography. It showcases the full scope of the Zippers' dedication to theater and craft. I hope it brings joy and mystery to our fans, past and present.
Toujours gai, kid, toujours gai!"
Jimbo Mathus Holiday Inn | Kearney, Nebraska December 17, 2025
