THE GRATEFUL DEAD FESTIVAL (AKA “SHAKEDOWN STREET”)
I’ve never been much into the Grateful Dead. That’s a confession more than a statement, because I’ve certainly missed some great times. I deeply appreciate -even admire- the unique sub-culture and cool people they’ve attracted to their events for more than half a century. Indeed, there’s something really special about “Deadheads.” I won’t even bother to try explaining it. If you’ve ever been around a Grateful Dead event of any kind or been with that crowd–you’ll get it. If not, there’s no point, really. Trust me, the Dead is something not to merely listen to or enjoy, but to experience.
My lone lifetime exposure to anything remotely close to a Dead concert was attending “Phil Lesh and Friends,” which I saw in Atlantic City about 20 years ago. I stood next to the stage for nearly four hours. Not once did I feel the urge or need to sit down. I didn’t want to miss a second. I went alone, but by the end of the show, I had a dozen friends around me. Coolest vibe and sense of comaraderie I’ve experienced at a live event, at least since 1979 Texxas Jam. It was a glorious moment of optimism as to the wonder of possibilities. I sure wish more Deadheads ran the world.
Phil Lesh, the Grateful Dead’s original bass player, died about six months ago. After patriarch Jerry Garcia’s passing 30 years earlier, the demise of the duo should have been the final nail in the Dead’s coffin and end of an era. However, the power of great music and the endurance of human spirit can be everlasting when it’s done right. It’s been evident since the 1960s, the Dead weren’t (and aren’t) just a rock group of freewheeling hippie musicians and the dated soundtrack of a bygone counterculture. They were — they are — a movement. A mindset. A mood. A muse. A musical meander.
This afternoon, I attended the band’s offshoot, known as Dead & Company and their outdoor festival behind Tuscany Casino. Dead & Company play the Sphere tonight, a show that’s garnered rave reviews. I believe this is their second engagement at Sphere. I hope to go sometime, but not tonight. Saw lots of tie-dye shirts, listened to lots of devotees jamming and singing while strumming worn-out guitars (often just sitting out on the grass, attracting passersby)….and speaking of grass, well–no need to stock up at any nearby cannabis dispensary. The scent is EVERYWHERE.
Then again, it’s not really about the show, or Spheres, or anything that requires buying a ticket. It’s about going, being there, and letting go of life for a short while. People of all ages, and a surprisingly young crowd with lots of females. Parking lot is packed with California license plates. Check out the Dead & Company fair and festival, also known as “Shakedown Street,” titled after the 1978 album of the same name. The street festival is now open in combination with 18 free pre- and post-Dead & Company Sphere events running from March 20th (tonight) through May 17th. I took these pics outside this afternoon.
Yeah, there may be a “Touch of Grey” in the crowd, but they’re still “Truckin.”