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Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wonder Woman Incarnate
By Starr Sackstein
I was nine when the doctors told her she had six months to live.
“I’m going to fight this the only way I know how,” my mother was resolute in her belief about beating breast cancer like it was some kind of terrorist taking over her body.
“But what if you…” I whined, big wet tears falling from my nose plopping themselves lifelessly onto my hands.
“Don’t even go there. I’m not going to die.” My mom put my hands in hers enveloping me wholly. She was the one who sick and she was still the strong one keeping me together.
“My mother battled cancer and won. Although her methods were unorthodox, she did it. Despite what the doctors told her. Even if I thought my mom was a superhero before, I was now convinced that she could survive anything.
“What is that stuff?” I peaked into the basement to see a curious science project before me. The room smelled of freshly cut grass and spring time. The florescent lights shined brightly in the usually dank room.
“It’s wheat grass. It’s going to help me stay healthy.” She had done her homework and found out that wheat grass helped to build antibodies and make her body stronger. It was her secret weapon; her antidote for the kryptonite festering her in body.
“What are you going to do with it?” Of course if she was going to heal herself, I wanted to know more, but I couldn’t imagine what she was going to do…bathe in it?
“I’m going to drink a cup of it every day and so are you.”
“Okay, if it will make you feel better, I guess I can try some.” She handed me a small cup and told me to have some. I drank it and almost threw up. However much I enjoyed the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, I did NOT enjoy the taste of it. It was gritty, grassy and gross. Green spinachy blades that itched my throat as they wandered down and then back up my esophagus. “Yuck. You’ve got to be kidding me. There is no way I’m drinking that on a regular basis.” I winced as I stared back at my mother, eyes tearing and still trying desperately to get the taste out of my mouth.
“Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that bad. Next time we will try to mix it into something sweet so that it doesn’t taste so badly.”
“If you say so, but I don’t think anything can make that stuff taste good.” Little did my mom know that I never drank or ate any more wheat grass regardless of what it was steeped in. I ended up spitting it up or not drinking it at all for the whole wheat grass phase which luckily didn’t last that long.
The wheat grass wasn’t the only thing that changed in the house, my mom’s whole aura changed. She was now a metaphysical being of light only projecting health and warmth. Most of my friends didn’t get it and neither did I, but it was making her feel better so it wasn’t to be disputed.
“We have to be careful of our energies. The more positive light we cast, the better the universe will provide for each of us.” My mom looked at me seriously as she spewed what sounded like rubbish to me. It was ludicrous. How can someone be so “light” and how am I emitting an aura? I didn’t understand any of it, but what I could appreciate was that my mom was entering another phase. She had lots of them.
We went through the real estate phase, the gourmet chef phase (everyone enthusiastically enjoyed this one, and now lastly the new age phase. Ultimately my mom ventured back to school to become a massage therapist in her 30s never having been good at school before. She had always felt fortunate about surviving the cancer and she wanted to help others feel better too. So my mom braved going back to school despite her own fears in an effort to help save the world. Luckily she had me to help. I figured she had done so much for me that the least I could do is teach her how to study and so I did.
“Mom, focus. You have a test tomorrow and you are going to fail if you don’t study.” I was firm, but loving just as she had always been.
“I still don’t get it though and I can’t remember anything,” frustrated she stared at me longingly. “Take the test for me,” she smiled because she knew I would never go for that.
“You can do this. You’ve done everything else and stop comparing yourself to me,” I sneered at her forcing a lack of comparison. I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to take over.
Graduating from massage school was just the beginning of my mother’s successes in this field. She works with cancer patients, autistic children and people with just plain aches and pains. No problem is impossible for her to attend to. My mother has taught me to be strong and independent, yet unafraid to reach out for help when necessary. Strong and seemingly fearless she has led by example and teaching me what it takes to be worthy of admiration. As a parent, teacher and friend, I can only aspire to her quirky, warm ways to make the world a better place.
I was nine when the doctors told her she had six months to live.
“I’m going to fight this the only way I know how,” my mother was resolute in her belief about beating breast cancer like it was some kind of terrorist taking over her body.
“But what if you…” I whined, big wet tears falling from my nose plopping themselves lifelessly onto my hands.
“Don’t even go there. I’m not going to die.” My mom put my hands in hers enveloping me wholly. She was the one who sick and she was still the strong one keeping me together.
“My mother battled cancer and won. Although her methods were unorthodox, she did it. Despite what the doctors told her. Even if I thought my mom was a superhero before, I was now convinced that she could survive anything.
“What is that stuff?” I peaked into the basement to see a curious science project before me. The room smelled of freshly cut grass and spring time. The florescent lights shined brightly in the usually dank room.
“It’s wheat grass. It’s going to help me stay healthy.” She had done her homework and found out that wheat grass helped to build antibodies and make her body stronger. It was her secret weapon; her antidote for the kryptonite festering her in body.
“What are you going to do with it?” Of course if she was going to heal herself, I wanted to know more, but I couldn’t imagine what she was going to do…bathe in it?
“I’m going to drink a cup of it every day and so are you.”
“Okay, if it will make you feel better, I guess I can try some.” She handed me a small cup and told me to have some. I drank it and almost threw up. However much I enjoyed the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, I did NOT enjoy the taste of it. It was gritty, grassy and gross. Green spinachy blades that itched my throat as they wandered down and then back up my esophagus. “Yuck. You’ve got to be kidding me. There is no way I’m drinking that on a regular basis.” I winced as I stared back at my mother, eyes tearing and still trying desperately to get the taste out of my mouth.
“Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not that bad. Next time we will try to mix it into something sweet so that it doesn’t taste so badly.”
“If you say so, but I don’t think anything can make that stuff taste good.” Little did my mom know that I never drank or ate any more wheat grass regardless of what it was steeped in. I ended up spitting it up or not drinking it at all for the whole wheat grass phase which luckily didn’t last that long.
The wheat grass wasn’t the only thing that changed in the house, my mom’s whole aura changed. She was now a metaphysical being of light only projecting health and warmth. Most of my friends didn’t get it and neither did I, but it was making her feel better so it wasn’t to be disputed.
“We have to be careful of our energies. The more positive light we cast, the better the universe will provide for each of us.” My mom looked at me seriously as she spewed what sounded like rubbish to me. It was ludicrous. How can someone be so “light” and how am I emitting an aura? I didn’t understand any of it, but what I could appreciate was that my mom was entering another phase. She had lots of them.
We went through the real estate phase, the gourmet chef phase (everyone enthusiastically enjoyed this one, and now lastly the new age phase. Ultimately my mom ventured back to school to become a massage therapist in her 30s never having been good at school before. She had always felt fortunate about surviving the cancer and she wanted to help others feel better too. So my mom braved going back to school despite her own fears in an effort to help save the world. Luckily she had me to help. I figured she had done so much for me that the least I could do is teach her how to study and so I did.
“Mom, focus. You have a test tomorrow and you are going to fail if you don’t study.” I was firm, but loving just as she had always been.
“I still don’t get it though and I can’t remember anything,” frustrated she stared at me longingly. “Take the test for me,” she smiled because she knew I would never go for that.
“You can do this. You’ve done everything else and stop comparing yourself to me,” I sneered at her forcing a lack of comparison. I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to take over.
Graduating from massage school was just the beginning of my mother’s successes in this field. She works with cancer patients, autistic children and people with just plain aches and pains. No problem is impossible for her to attend to. My mother has taught me to be strong and independent, yet unafraid to reach out for help when necessary. Strong and seemingly fearless she has led by example and teaching me what it takes to be worthy of admiration. As a parent, teacher and friend, I can only aspire to her quirky, warm ways to make the world a better place.
A Benefit for the Lambertville Firefighters and NewHope/Lambertville Rescue Squad
BENEFIT FOR LAMBERTVILLE FIREFIGHTERS & LAMBERTVILLE/NEW HOPE RESCUE SQUAD HUGE SUCCESS
OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SUPPORT
A Review Of The Event by Starr Sackstein (how it ran in the paper)
On November 24, 2001, in the small town of Lambertville, New Jersey, an intimate crowd gathered at the Rago Gallery. The objective was simply put in a press release: “In this time of uncertainty, it is critical that all communities support their local Emergency Resources. If we can stand strong individually, imagine the strength we’ll have collectively. Proceeds from this benefit will go to support our local Firefighters and the Lambertville-New Hope Emergency Rescue Squad.”
In support of the local Fire Fighters and Rescue Squad, an interesting mix of friends came together to share the stage. The audience enthusiastically showed their support by participating in several rock memorabilia auctions during the evening, emceed by local WDVR-FM DJ, Gino Macaroni.
The musical event began with Michael Falzarano and Professor Louie (aka Aaron Hurwitz) of Memphis Pilgrims playing a few numbers armed with only acoustic guitar, accordion and keyboard. The opening ballad, “One More Round,” was written by Falzarano about the September 11th catastrophe and the continued effort to find bodies at Ground zero. The somber tone of respect for firefighters and rescue workers who had to find and identify co-workers and loved ones echoed in his words of strength and courage. The duo followed with Bob Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell" (off of The Band’s Jericho album), with Professor Louie providing vocals and keyboards, backed by Falzarano on guitar. The tempo picked up when Rob Wolfson (Toni Brown Band guitarist), joined the duo on “Baby Loves To Boogie” off of Professor Louie’s Jam album. The chemistry was obvious between the three musicians who did a few more songs together, ending their set with “Where Are You Going?,” a song about a young boy whose country needs him.
Living Earth took the stage shortly after another auction break, bringing the crowd to its feet with a set of Grateful Dead standards. No one could resist such powerfully fun, upbeat numbers like “Not Fade Away” and “Bertha.” Guitarists Bob Stirner and Alan Preti opened, singing “Not Fade Away” into “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” while Matt Ginsberg banged out a heavy drum line. Other highlights were “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Deal” and “Truckin’” with a finale “China Cat Sunflower/ I Know You Rider” medley. Bassist Dan Gold and keyboardist Bob Albasi rounded out the band’s Grateful Dead sound.
Next, the Toni Brown Band was poised to impress and entertain. Brown, had a particularly personal reason for contributing to the benefit—she is a local New Hope resident,. The set opened with an up-tempo “Midnight Moonlight,” and Toni quickly had the crowd singing along and tapping their feet. Accompanied by guest drummer Matt Ginsberg from Living Earth, the group did “Last Row In The Balcony” off of her first album, Blue Morning. Glenn Spivack’s pedal steel helped create the band’s unique sound, while bassist Ian Zdatny banged out a strong rhythm and Rob Wolfson added delightful lead guitar licks. A personal favorite was the new “Rabbit Hole Soul,” a song about finding home, which Toni dedicated to her husband.
The evening’s climax came when Toni brought out all the evening’s musicians, creating an amazing ensemble. They kicked off this mini-set with Rob Wolfson singing “Deep Elem Blues” and Professor Louie playing the accordion. The crowd joined in by singing and dancing along with the uncommon mix of musicians. Next Professor Louie performed “Next Time You See Me” and everyone was able to stretch out on extended solos. The musicians were having a great time. Toni sang her sultry version of “New Minglewood Blues,” followed by Michael’s renditon of “Big Railroad Blues.” Other highlights included the appropriate “U.S. Blues,” “The Weight,” sung by Glenn Spivack, and a big finale of the Flazarano-led “Friend of the Devil.”
It was a perfect evening. The night was filled with fun and surprises. It was great to see so many seasoned performers share the music in this casual setting. The Rago Gallery’s open floor served as an indoor lawn, and vendors added to the outdoorsy feel. It was a memorable night for the privileged crowd who turned out in support of a worthy cause.
Starr Sackstein has had work published in Relix magazine, along with local newspapers and periodicals.
OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SUPPORT
A Review Of The Event by Starr Sackstein (how it ran in the paper)
On November 24, 2001, in the small town of Lambertville, New Jersey, an intimate crowd gathered at the Rago Gallery. The objective was simply put in a press release: “In this time of uncertainty, it is critical that all communities support their local Emergency Resources. If we can stand strong individually, imagine the strength we’ll have collectively. Proceeds from this benefit will go to support our local Firefighters and the Lambertville-New Hope Emergency Rescue Squad.”
In support of the local Fire Fighters and Rescue Squad, an interesting mix of friends came together to share the stage. The audience enthusiastically showed their support by participating in several rock memorabilia auctions during the evening, emceed by local WDVR-FM DJ, Gino Macaroni.
The musical event began with Michael Falzarano and Professor Louie (aka Aaron Hurwitz) of Memphis Pilgrims playing a few numbers armed with only acoustic guitar, accordion and keyboard. The opening ballad, “One More Round,” was written by Falzarano about the September 11th catastrophe and the continued effort to find bodies at Ground zero. The somber tone of respect for firefighters and rescue workers who had to find and identify co-workers and loved ones echoed in his words of strength and courage. The duo followed with Bob Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell" (off of The Band’s Jericho album), with Professor Louie providing vocals and keyboards, backed by Falzarano on guitar. The tempo picked up when Rob Wolfson (Toni Brown Band guitarist), joined the duo on “Baby Loves To Boogie” off of Professor Louie’s Jam album. The chemistry was obvious between the three musicians who did a few more songs together, ending their set with “Where Are You Going?,” a song about a young boy whose country needs him.
Living Earth took the stage shortly after another auction break, bringing the crowd to its feet with a set of Grateful Dead standards. No one could resist such powerfully fun, upbeat numbers like “Not Fade Away” and “Bertha.” Guitarists Bob Stirner and Alan Preti opened, singing “Not Fade Away” into “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” while Matt Ginsberg banged out a heavy drum line. Other highlights were “Brown-Eyed Women,” “Deal” and “Truckin’” with a finale “China Cat Sunflower/ I Know You Rider” medley. Bassist Dan Gold and keyboardist Bob Albasi rounded out the band’s Grateful Dead sound.
Next, the Toni Brown Band was poised to impress and entertain. Brown, had a particularly personal reason for contributing to the benefit—she is a local New Hope resident,. The set opened with an up-tempo “Midnight Moonlight,” and Toni quickly had the crowd singing along and tapping their feet. Accompanied by guest drummer Matt Ginsberg from Living Earth, the group did “Last Row In The Balcony” off of her first album, Blue Morning. Glenn Spivack’s pedal steel helped create the band’s unique sound, while bassist Ian Zdatny banged out a strong rhythm and Rob Wolfson added delightful lead guitar licks. A personal favorite was the new “Rabbit Hole Soul,” a song about finding home, which Toni dedicated to her husband.
The evening’s climax came when Toni brought out all the evening’s musicians, creating an amazing ensemble. They kicked off this mini-set with Rob Wolfson singing “Deep Elem Blues” and Professor Louie playing the accordion. The crowd joined in by singing and dancing along with the uncommon mix of musicians. Next Professor Louie performed “Next Time You See Me” and everyone was able to stretch out on extended solos. The musicians were having a great time. Toni sang her sultry version of “New Minglewood Blues,” followed by Michael’s renditon of “Big Railroad Blues.” Other highlights included the appropriate “U.S. Blues,” “The Weight,” sung by Glenn Spivack, and a big finale of the Flazarano-led “Friend of the Devil.”
It was a perfect evening. The night was filled with fun and surprises. It was great to see so many seasoned performers share the music in this casual setting. The Rago Gallery’s open floor served as an indoor lawn, and vendors added to the outdoorsy feel. It was a memorable night for the privileged crowd who turned out in support of a worthy cause.
Starr Sackstein has had work published in Relix magazine, along with local newspapers and periodicals.
The end of the Wetlands... also a long time ago -Bob Dylan tribute
Inspiration and Celebration
By Starr Sackstein
Convening in the Wetlands Preserve on May 24, 2001 were musicians, enthusiasts, poets and common folk alike all to celebrate the 60th birthday of folk-rock legend Bob Dylan. The scene itself was tame to begin as the masses sat cross-legged on the floor or leaning on the bar watching and listening to the Bob Dylan hopefuls and wannabes perform during the open mike hour. The crowd rallied in support of the many people who gave their hand at interpretive readings and acoustic renditions of Bob’s songs through the smoke and clutter.
It wasn’t until about 8:45PM when the acts took the stage. It was a nonstop night of praise and tribute for the one guy who was so ahead of his time and continues to make music that provokes emotion and thought. Bob Dylan’s voice has always been heard even if it hasn’t been understood because it was always about the message. It was astutely put as one of musicians dismounted the stage after performing a really tight couple of songs and being complimented, “Now I just wish I actually knew the words.” There were many bands over the course of the evening that did one or two Bob tunes and then respectfully left the stage to let others pay their tribute. Some of which tried to imitate Bob’s vocal stylings and others who went for the more melodic, less traditional direction.
The relatively small, dimly lit bar filled up quickly. The group was on their feet packed into one another on the dance floor and in the bar area. There was no room to navigate and it was difficult to get anywhere once you settled in. Personally, I was just looking for a resting-place to write and have a view of the stage without being burned by a cigarette or having a beer spilled on me. It wasn’t a hostile crowd, (the only consolation was that it was friendly group), but it’s hard to not bump into people when there is no room to move. I think it was a real testament to the continued popularity of Bob Dylan’s music and proof that he has touched the lives of so many people. It’s too bad he couldn’t have been there to witness the admiration.
Some highlights were Tiberius with a rockin’ version of “New Pony” which set the bar for the evenings festivities. JJ Appleton sang “True Love Tends to Forget” in true Bob Dylan style. Dan and Kev got the crowd off their feet with “Motorpsycho Night” which was perfectly punctuated with a sticker, which read “Fuck Off” on Dan’s guitar. There was brief break in the storm when Dean Bowman mounted the stage with his version of “I Shall be Released.” He won the crowd over with his style and soul in true folk fashion. However, it wasn’t until Martin’s Folly played “Catfish” that the crowd seemed really involved with the musicians. It was amazing to see a sea of people mouthing the words and enraptured by the performance.
By the time the Toni Brown Band hit the stage, the crowd was engrossed in the Bob whirlwind and nostalgia. It was then that Toni sang a heart felt version of “To Make You Feel My Love” that sent the chills up and down my spine. It was a triumph. The band that followed was equally as passionate as they crooned “Sarah.” What a phenomenal version of the song!
My props to all the bands that performed, it must be incredibly intimidating and exhilarating to perform the music of such an important artist. There was an extreme outpouring of support from the community. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it until the end of the show because it was a “work night.” This night was a true fairy tale for me, I had the opportunity to meet many artists that have had a profound impact on my life who were singing songs by the one man who made me want to become a poet in the first place. Bob Dylan is a mover, a shaker, an idol, a hero and a normal guy. He is an inspiration. He makes me want to change the world. He makes me believe that I can.
By Starr Sackstein
Convening in the Wetlands Preserve on May 24, 2001 were musicians, enthusiasts, poets and common folk alike all to celebrate the 60th birthday of folk-rock legend Bob Dylan. The scene itself was tame to begin as the masses sat cross-legged on the floor or leaning on the bar watching and listening to the Bob Dylan hopefuls and wannabes perform during the open mike hour. The crowd rallied in support of the many people who gave their hand at interpretive readings and acoustic renditions of Bob’s songs through the smoke and clutter.
It wasn’t until about 8:45PM when the acts took the stage. It was a nonstop night of praise and tribute for the one guy who was so ahead of his time and continues to make music that provokes emotion and thought. Bob Dylan’s voice has always been heard even if it hasn’t been understood because it was always about the message. It was astutely put as one of musicians dismounted the stage after performing a really tight couple of songs and being complimented, “Now I just wish I actually knew the words.” There were many bands over the course of the evening that did one or two Bob tunes and then respectfully left the stage to let others pay their tribute. Some of which tried to imitate Bob’s vocal stylings and others who went for the more melodic, less traditional direction.
The relatively small, dimly lit bar filled up quickly. The group was on their feet packed into one another on the dance floor and in the bar area. There was no room to navigate and it was difficult to get anywhere once you settled in. Personally, I was just looking for a resting-place to write and have a view of the stage without being burned by a cigarette or having a beer spilled on me. It wasn’t a hostile crowd, (the only consolation was that it was friendly group), but it’s hard to not bump into people when there is no room to move. I think it was a real testament to the continued popularity of Bob Dylan’s music and proof that he has touched the lives of so many people. It’s too bad he couldn’t have been there to witness the admiration.
Some highlights were Tiberius with a rockin’ version of “New Pony” which set the bar for the evenings festivities. JJ Appleton sang “True Love Tends to Forget” in true Bob Dylan style. Dan and Kev got the crowd off their feet with “Motorpsycho Night” which was perfectly punctuated with a sticker, which read “Fuck Off” on Dan’s guitar. There was brief break in the storm when Dean Bowman mounted the stage with his version of “I Shall be Released.” He won the crowd over with his style and soul in true folk fashion. However, it wasn’t until Martin’s Folly played “Catfish” that the crowd seemed really involved with the musicians. It was amazing to see a sea of people mouthing the words and enraptured by the performance.
By the time the Toni Brown Band hit the stage, the crowd was engrossed in the Bob whirlwind and nostalgia. It was then that Toni sang a heart felt version of “To Make You Feel My Love” that sent the chills up and down my spine. It was a triumph. The band that followed was equally as passionate as they crooned “Sarah.” What a phenomenal version of the song!
My props to all the bands that performed, it must be incredibly intimidating and exhilarating to perform the music of such an important artist. There was an extreme outpouring of support from the community. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it until the end of the show because it was a “work night.” This night was a true fairy tale for me, I had the opportunity to meet many artists that have had a profound impact on my life who were singing songs by the one man who made me want to become a poet in the first place. Bob Dylan is a mover, a shaker, an idol, a hero and a normal guy. He is an inspiration. He makes me want to change the world. He makes me believe that I can.
Phil Lesh and Friends Leaves Crowd Dancin’ at the Beacon - a long time ago
By Starr Sackstein
The crowded Beacon Theater in New York City was buzzing with excitement on Friday, October 13th minutes before Phil Lesh and Friends began to play. I have to admit I had my skepticism about seeing a member of the Grateful Dead with different musicians and without Jerry Garcia. As a matter of fact, it’s what kept me from seeing the Further Festivals, Ratdog, and the Other Ones in the past. I just didn’t think I could handle seeing the Dead without Jerry. I am not ashamed to say I was wrong in this instance. They were able to ignite the same spark that the Grateful Dead always had burning.
The lights went low and the fever was in the air a little after 8 PM. Upon the lighted stage stood Phil Lesh, John Molo, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Rob Barraco and the crowd went wild. They started playing a disjointed warm up jam that came together like a symphony to open with “Dancin’ in the Streets.” The spotlight came up on Rob Barraco on the keyboards and he began to sing. Imagine my surprise when Rob Barraco was able to carry Jerry’s songs without losing the magic that Garcia brought to his music. After Phil Lesh sang an awesome version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, Barraco came back to sing a phenomenal rendition of Ramble on Rose. I was floored. I hadn’t heard Ramble on Rose at a Dead show in years and it was just like old times.
The first set continued to surprise, intrigue and motivate the other fans and myself with outstanding jams reminiscent of early Grateful Dead stylings and intensity. They didn’t let up at all and neither did the audience. Through an impressive jam of “The Wheel” into “Jack-A-Roe” into “Foolish Heart” finishing with “Turn on Your Love Light”, the group played like each of the songs would never end. The anticipation was high as we all waited for what song would be next. The isles were filled with spinning hippies and dancing newcomers both equally impressed with the display. I was home again and I was instantly reminded of why I loved seeing the Dead live so much.
The second set opened with “Strawberry Fields” and it was fantastic. The electric organ sounds came out and I remember standing there thinking to myself, “no it can’t be what I think it is”; but it was. I never heard a cover of this Beatles song and I’m sorry they never did. The musicians were calm and collected and loving what they were doing. The chemistry between the guys was electric and alive. Each of them separate finely tuned spokes that make the wheel spin perfectly. The music was tight and energetic. I couldn’t have been more swept away. It was an action packed set intertwined with old classics like: “Wharf Rat,” “Box of Rain,” “Not Fadeaway,” “Help On the Way” into “Slipknot!” into “Terrapin Station,” “The Other One” back into “Slipknot!” and ending with “Franklin’s Tower.” When they finished playing everyone stood around cheering and clapping awaiting the encore that we knew would soon follow. What were they going to play? Something old? Or something new?
The spotlight came back up on the stage after a 15 minute round of applause. The crowd silenced as Phil Lesh stood center stage; he took this opportunity to remind his fans how important organ donors are to people. Although I understand his passion for this particular cause, I could’ve done without the solicitation. It was jarring and out of place for that moment. After another roar of support, Phil’s friends came back on stage and began their final jam for the evening. Built to Last was their last selection. Although I am not a huge fan of the newer Grateful Dead music, Warren Haynes performed it with precision and enthusiasm. It suited the spirit of the show as an encore as this music was made to last forever.
This show was unlike any Grateful Dead show that I ever saw. The band managed to pull together on so many songs that you would have never heard together in one show. It was one hard hitting tune right after the next and the musicianship couldn’t have been matched. They were a cohesive whole working only for the music and the love of their fans. A simpler setting and a fuller set makes for a tremendous experience.
After all the preconceived notions I had about seeing them, I am glad that I put them aside and took a chance. I left the show wanting more as I often did when I knew a night of Grateful Dead music was coming to a close. I haven’t left a concert in a long time feeling tired from dancing, but completely eager with anticipation for the next time I could see them. There is nothing in the world that could replace the experience of seeing The Grateful Dead, however, Phil Lesh and Friends for an intimate evening of music could certainly begin to fill the void.
The crowded Beacon Theater in New York City was buzzing with excitement on Friday, October 13th minutes before Phil Lesh and Friends began to play. I have to admit I had my skepticism about seeing a member of the Grateful Dead with different musicians and without Jerry Garcia. As a matter of fact, it’s what kept me from seeing the Further Festivals, Ratdog, and the Other Ones in the past. I just didn’t think I could handle seeing the Dead without Jerry. I am not ashamed to say I was wrong in this instance. They were able to ignite the same spark that the Grateful Dead always had burning.
The lights went low and the fever was in the air a little after 8 PM. Upon the lighted stage stood Phil Lesh, John Molo, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Rob Barraco and the crowd went wild. They started playing a disjointed warm up jam that came together like a symphony to open with “Dancin’ in the Streets.” The spotlight came up on Rob Barraco on the keyboards and he began to sing. Imagine my surprise when Rob Barraco was able to carry Jerry’s songs without losing the magic that Garcia brought to his music. After Phil Lesh sang an awesome version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, Barraco came back to sing a phenomenal rendition of Ramble on Rose. I was floored. I hadn’t heard Ramble on Rose at a Dead show in years and it was just like old times.
The first set continued to surprise, intrigue and motivate the other fans and myself with outstanding jams reminiscent of early Grateful Dead stylings and intensity. They didn’t let up at all and neither did the audience. Through an impressive jam of “The Wheel” into “Jack-A-Roe” into “Foolish Heart” finishing with “Turn on Your Love Light”, the group played like each of the songs would never end. The anticipation was high as we all waited for what song would be next. The isles were filled with spinning hippies and dancing newcomers both equally impressed with the display. I was home again and I was instantly reminded of why I loved seeing the Dead live so much.
The second set opened with “Strawberry Fields” and it was fantastic. The electric organ sounds came out and I remember standing there thinking to myself, “no it can’t be what I think it is”; but it was. I never heard a cover of this Beatles song and I’m sorry they never did. The musicians were calm and collected and loving what they were doing. The chemistry between the guys was electric and alive. Each of them separate finely tuned spokes that make the wheel spin perfectly. The music was tight and energetic. I couldn’t have been more swept away. It was an action packed set intertwined with old classics like: “Wharf Rat,” “Box of Rain,” “Not Fadeaway,” “Help On the Way” into “Slipknot!” into “Terrapin Station,” “The Other One” back into “Slipknot!” and ending with “Franklin’s Tower.” When they finished playing everyone stood around cheering and clapping awaiting the encore that we knew would soon follow. What were they going to play? Something old? Or something new?
The spotlight came back up on the stage after a 15 minute round of applause. The crowd silenced as Phil Lesh stood center stage; he took this opportunity to remind his fans how important organ donors are to people. Although I understand his passion for this particular cause, I could’ve done without the solicitation. It was jarring and out of place for that moment. After another roar of support, Phil’s friends came back on stage and began their final jam for the evening. Built to Last was their last selection. Although I am not a huge fan of the newer Grateful Dead music, Warren Haynes performed it with precision and enthusiasm. It suited the spirit of the show as an encore as this music was made to last forever.
This show was unlike any Grateful Dead show that I ever saw. The band managed to pull together on so many songs that you would have never heard together in one show. It was one hard hitting tune right after the next and the musicianship couldn’t have been matched. They were a cohesive whole working only for the music and the love of their fans. A simpler setting and a fuller set makes for a tremendous experience.
After all the preconceived notions I had about seeing them, I am glad that I put them aside and took a chance. I left the show wanting more as I often did when I knew a night of Grateful Dead music was coming to a close. I haven’t left a concert in a long time feeling tired from dancing, but completely eager with anticipation for the next time I could see them. There is nothing in the world that could replace the experience of seeing The Grateful Dead, however, Phil Lesh and Friends for an intimate evening of music could certainly begin to fill the void.
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