Frank Zappa/Mothers. Despite his universally acclaimed musical genius, Frank Zappa's foremost desire remains unfulfilled to this very day. He has yet to be credited with an honest-to-goodness hit single on Top-40 radio. Those of you so moved, be it by pity or the desire to witness one of rock's giants, can catch Zappa with his newest collection of Mothers at the Orpheum, Nov. 9 at 7 or 10 p.m. Tickets are $4.50, 5.50, and 6.50 and are available at the box office, Out-of-Town, and Minuteman-Soundscope.

Foghat/Trower/Montrose. Get ready to get up just to get down with a sound guaranteed to tickle the tympanic membrane. Though perhaps not rock-and-roll at its best, the Orpheum has put together a triple bill that promises at least rock-and-roll at its loudest. Whether it be the hard-driving English blues of Foghat or the energized rock-and-roll of Montrose (led by former Edgar Winter, guitarist Ronnie Montrose), the beat is going to be laid down early in the evening and could result in a lot of sore hands. As an added attraction, ex-Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower will be performing. Trower has been recently reported to be taking guitar lessons from none other than King Crimson mastermind, Robert Fripp. Trower claims certain prescribed guitar exercises that Fripp has given him have changed his life. Trower's metamorphosis can be appraised November 8 at 8 p.m.

Eric Anderson. Eric Anderson is a folkie whose transitory states of popular recognition are as difficult to explain as the artist himself. Sometimes electric, sometimes Nashville-inspired, Anderson's compositions seem most at ease when pervaded by a gentle air of melacholy that advocates introspection and self-awareness. An excellent performer, he is able to move entire audiences by his poignant vocals and sparkling guitar playing. A must for folkies, et. al. At Sanders Theater November 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets on sale for $4 at Holyoke Ticket Center.