Grateful Dead

I AM listening to 5/28/2010, right now!Tell me. All. That you know. Left. Sunshine. Passing by. Don't cry, now. Don't you, cry. Sing. Don't cry, now. X~~~~~~~~~~~wind. AWESOME MUSIC! Hey now, I read the set-list line ups and I will hope to be hearing more of the "historical visit". The you tube videos have been great and thanks to All that make and/or let it (Be) happen. Born an American Beauty here ------------------(--@ and been a Working(wo)man Blues for Love, ever since then, thank you for a real good time! "Cross-my-heart" "X" ALL caught up. Unbroken Chain 888888888888888888888888888 ---------------------------(---------@ SherBear Thanking God that the WorldWideWeb streams like a river! It's like... eating a Peppermint Patty in an old commerical. SOTM, right now...being happy. :)

First the good news: the music was fabulous. The sound check was really nice and the late night all star jam was great. So many people playing together! For me the high-light was Jorma and Jack playing with Bobby, and finishing off the Friday evening in a fine fashion. Saturday and Sunday were also really good, with my favorite set of the weekend being Hot Tuna (I've been listening to Jack and Jorma since 1977, and the Dead only since 1982, so I'm a pretty big Hot Tuna head). My favorite set was the Friday night sound check. It'll probably show up on the internet archive soon. The art display was really great, also. We had a really good time inside the show. Now for the bad news: ridiculous quantity of Sheriffs present, a select few of whom used an excessive amount of brutality in carrying out their duties. We were actually witness to people who were targeted by police because they appeared to be high, who then reacted badly, giving the cops an excuse to try to arrest them and beat them in the process. I am not talking about people being caught in a criminal act, but people just being high and a bit out of it. For a choice bit of slanted reporting everybody should check out this web site:http://thepinetree.net/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_i…. It's nice to know what people really think of us, and that of course lies are always expedient if you want to color an event to your advantage. I would like to know who was in charge of running this event, because they did the worst job I've ever seen, and I work security and parking at many Northern California events. It was the biggest amateur hour I've ever seen by event staff. As I half expected would happen, everything fell apart logistically as soon as masses of people started arriving, early, before the noon check in. Anyone at all, with or without a ticket was let into the initial lot. There was not management of the traffic or parking, with no instructions given to the attendees about proceedure or anything like that. Naturally, under those conditions chaos quickly ensued, and in order to handle a situation the parking/security staff was completely unprepared to deal with, and to get people in smoothly, everyone was let into the campground, whether you had a ticket or not. Honestly, at first I didn't care: share and share alike is my motto. But after 3 carloads of ticketless, drug-dealing tweekers settled in next to us for an all-weekend fight fest of nasty, loud bickering and whining and fighting, I began to think: this really sucks. There were tons of ticketless youth in the camping area, many of them brought their dogs, and it was obvious none of them were prepared to buy their way in, or even be nice to hang around, much less have to camp next to for three day. I think the police brutality and heavy handedness would have been a lot less if these people, who are users, not contributors, had been kept out of the camping areas. Some of these shit-kicking youth are very belligerent about their perceived right to a free everything, and they feel they can do what they like with impunity. Regardless, it's too late for my feelings regarding the fascist police there, and it'll be a cold day in hell before I ever go to Calaveras County again. Anytime there is a show at any County Fair Grounds, I expect somewhat of a police presence, but I'm proud to say that where I'm from here in NorCal, the cops are human, gentlemen, and appreciate us mellow hippies, and the money we bring into their community. For what it's worth, I only saw the youth being targeted, maybe there is some kind of vendetta, or maybe they think us old folks have all gone to the devil, and are beyond saving. I will say frankly that I don't at all like the attitude of some of the nastier elements that frequent the lot, not intending to enjoy music or each other at all, but just to exploit the scene for their own ends. And my boyfriend stepped in dog shit while we were loading the car, to boot. Love the boys, love the band,love the music, love the Deadheads and all my friends, known and unknown; but who was in charge of this logistical fiasco, I'd love to know. Peace.

...the shows were great. The band played with intensity and the usual virtuosity and get tighter with every show they play. I thought Joe Russo was driving fantastic and Chimenti is truly a keyboard master. Larry Campbell on fiddle added to the mix and the back ups. I'm a Hot Tuna fan and dug their set too. For this oldtimer the thing that really impressed me outside of the wonderful long shows and the musical alchemy trip, was the scene, the vibe and the crowd. Deadheads, young and old continue to keep it sooo cool. They are the best fans/people in the world. My wife and I had as much fun grooving on the great vibes people put out. It was as good as it gets and reminded me of a bygone era that doesn't really seem bygone.. and that just keeps my faith intact. It was also very cool to see Zane Kesey and the new Bus on site. Phil doing Q and A's was fun too and the folks that brought their kids made it all the better. My two daughters ages 36 and 41 also attended with their husbands. May the Grateful Dead and Prankster family grow strong and prosper and may this new generation (40 year olds and younger) continue to take it furthur...you all just rock and keep the bus rolling on. Nice going. I'm very impressed and still feel great. Thanks again. P.S. I did see a couple of freakouts and bummers which is sad but always bound to happen. I saw one poor girl being carried out screaming. I'm not sure if she was freaking out or just hated the music. So.. remember kids...Trip Responsibly. It's not a gut check or a competition to see how fucked up you can get. It's supposed to be a consciousness raising thing...and also remember...Once you get the message, you can hang up the phone. Just ask any Wharf Rat. Onward, through the fog... All love to all that you love.