Grateful Dead

Spent Sunday show with Jaleel, super cool cat and he was extremely appreciative of my offer for the extra ticket. When the last show was over we sat for a bit, had to soak it up as much as possible. Did not want to leave. So much to absorb and take in. I ran into a few SD peeps here and there at the shows. Fitting I would see Tami and Brad 1 last time Sunday night downstairs. What a trip man! You 2 are the coolest! What a musical magical journey I went on and it wouldn't even have been possible (or nearly half as enjoyable) without this fine group they call the Sunshine Daydreamers! I am very humbled and honored to have been elected mayor. I hereby retire as mayor but plan to be an active member of the group 'til the end of time (or my life) whichever comes first. P.S. Even on the plane flight home I would sit next to a young couple who were totally cool deadheads and we had a nice flight back together joking and remembering the shows.

...the rest of the band? Well, they kicked my ass those old farts! They can still put on a great show (or 5). Bobby sounded fantastic; Phil thrilled us with his bass work; and the Rhythm Devils were on the top of their game (that in itself worth the price of admission). Bruce was great, wish he would have sung more (like on Terrapin) but what can you do? Fireworks Sat. and Sun nights, the break music and images were outstanding. The light show was unlike anything I have ever seen for dead show and was totally top-notch. Shapiro put on an amazing set of shows and really did it up big. Like him or not, forgive him or not (for the ticket debacles), he put on a major spectacle and did it right in the end.

I think the shows were awesome. They really were Grateful Dead shows! The stage and the lighting, the screens and the images that were displayed. I mean, how could you not be moved by all of it? I was incredibly moved, Trey did a great job at attempting the impossible. He can't be Jerry and we all know that. He had some amazing moments and some not-so-amazing moments. He gelled with the band though, and it was a wonderful run of shows. I don't know how he pulled off learning all those songs. What a true performer and consummate professional. Trey embraced his role and really shined as lead guitarist for the dead this time around. I felt this was the best we have heard from this band in any iteration since Jerry left us. And there were some moments of brilliance where he was channeling Jerry and it was (again) pure magic. Those moments will last a lifetime and I will remember these shows always and appreciate the wonderful gift the band gave us by doing these shows....

...my bro comes up to meet me on Sunday which was unbearably cool. He lives in St Louis and I don't get to see him very often. The magic continues. I overslept and barely made it to the train to make it to the River Architecture cruise. My bro was supposed to meet me at hotel but he was late and got lost. He made it down to the boat dock by 11, though, and watched me leave in the boat. I had to run from the train to a cab then ran to the boat. I don't know how I made it (credit the magical guardian angel). Me and my bro spent the mid-day together and had an early dinner laughing and reminiscing to the point of happy tears. Truly special time we had and what a surprise. I didn't think he was coming but was super happy to see him. Then he drops me off downtown for Sunday's show and what a finale it was...

...Tired from the museum I trucked on and found something funky on the way to Shakedown street. So I ate it, and it was good. More Magic: I go up and visit Tony up in the nosebleeds as he asked me to come up and say Hi. That was so cool to meet up with Tony at his seat both Fri. and Sat. nights! When I arrived back in my sec. 324, a guy asked me to trade for a seat down in sec. 125. No brainer! Right place right time. My only complaint from that night was it was real smoky down there and I had some issues breathing. Lots of cigarretee smoking, and other stuff. Took my sandals off and wandered around the stadium looking for air. None of the concession stands had any. HMMMM? I did find that very odd (at the time). Had great people around me to help me get through the night alone as I had no seatmates other than the other 70,000. My neighbors were instrumental and of monumental help to me that night...

...I was bit hungover as I had a REAL GOOD time at Friday's show. Super energetic rock and roll show that was. Hung out with Chris and Jeff (Mortatone), had a fantastic time! Feeling not so special I made it to the picnic about 20-30 minutes late. What a great feeling it was to go around and meet the group. What a great group of people we are! It truly was an amazing time and what a highlight for me personally. I never did anything quite like this before, meet people I have chatted with on the internet. It felt like home and I had known these people all my adult life. It really was a special moment. The field museum with the Jazz and Colors was off the hook (right after picnic). One trio had a sax that sounded like Stan Getz I shit you not (a personal jazz favorite of mine)! I told him that and he was very humbled by my compliment. can't stop smiling. Huge museum, amazing! GD50 exhibit mindblowing also with the tiger guitar (tears) and the envelopes and memorabilia! Sensory overload...

(I am not saying good-bye more of a "'til next time" from me.) From the moment I sat down at the airport bar in Sacramento, waiting to come to Chicago, it had already begun. A very nice fellow who saw my dead shirt came up and sat next to me and we chatted, talked about SC and the upcoming shows. The magic was just beginning for Chicago for me (SD meet, magical show and rainbow had really started the whole thing June 27). I guess the magic was just on hold for a few days. But boy did it really kick in. Got in to CHI on time from my non-stop flight, caught a shuttle,got to the hotel and checked in half hour early. Got to the gig in time no problem. Let me say if anyone had a doubt about the staff at Soldier Field, that idea was squashed immediately. They were honestly the nicest people I have ever patronized at any concert or stadium event. I was completely blown away by their professionalism and customer service. Had great customer service at my hotel as well. Everyone I met along the way was just awesome, I couldn't stop smiling, laughing and having a great time....

Got me through those early years - way to go out... Holly is right - I do not believe there is an exit on this thing, but maybe a window. We'll leave it open for all y'all who are saying "goodbye." "Never Say Good Bye" Twilight on the frozen lake A north wind about to break On the footprints in the snow Silence down below. You're beautiful beyond words You're beautiful to me You can make me cry Never say goodbye. Because my dreams are made Of iron and steel With a big boquet of roses hanging down From the heavens to the ground. The crashing waves roll over me As I stand upon the sand And wait for you to come Grab hold of my hand. Oh baby, baby, baby blue You'll change your last name too You turned your hair to brown Love to see it hanging down.

I am back and still recovering. Back to work yesterday. WHEW! I still can't believe what I experienced in Chicago (and Santa Clara). Sorry it took so long for my return. I have so much to say but it will have to come in increments. It was a daunting but exciting task to undertake alone, but of course I know oh so well that I was the furthest thing from being alone with all the dreamers and other kind folks I met along the way. Had the trip been for any other reason I might have really felt alone in Chicago. Meeting some of the dreamers in SC and then more (wish I could have met you all) in Chicago I felt a "strange" sense of belonging in this community (yes that's what we are a mini community inside the deadhead community) that is pure magic. I don't have any other explanation. The kindest friendliest people in the world are the deadheads and I saw this kindness and comfort throughout the entire trip. Thank you everyone in SD for the mayoral red carpet, and thank you to the entire deadhead community for the crazy kinship we all have and that was so evident in all these shows during my travels...

Holly, you are da briver.....Torch has been passed.... Make us proud..... You have been groomed and are ready to carry the load..... And let Stella sleep, she needs her sleep and her water..... were they ever here at all?.... but they kept on dancing.....