Bill Bigelow takes us on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area's legendary music scene, where the melodies of the Grateful Dead once danced through iconic venues like the Carousel Ballroom and the Fillmore West. As we explore his stories, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, we witness the origins of a community united by music. Bill's encounters with the Dead's intimate shows and his insights into their ever-evolving relationship with promoter Bill Graham offer a rare glimpse into the spirit of an era defined by transformative sounds and kinship.

The air of a Grateful Dead concert was electric with camaraderie and the unexpected, like the time Bob Weir handed out tuna sandwiches or a compassionate security guard went above and beyond. Our episode captures those moments, the surge of energy during a "Dark Star" transition into "St. Stephen," and pays homage to the irreplaceable Pigpen. These concerts weren't just about music—they were a space where memories and lifelong bonds were forged, where each song became a collective heartbeat shared by everyone in the room.

Venture with us into the crossroads of social justice and music education, where the Zinn Education Project www.zinnedproject.org meets the anti-apartheid anthem "Sun City." We remember the voices that sang for change, like Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen, and the blues artists elevated by Bonnie Raitt. To cap it off, we discover the hypnotic fusion of North African rhythms and rock through the artistry of Bombino, drawing parallels to Jimi Hendrix and celebrating the joy of unraveling new sounds that continue to reshape our musical world. Join us for an episode that's not just a nod to the past, but also an embrace of the future's endless possibilities in sound.

Rethinking Schools - rethinkingschools.org

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Tales From The Lot
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Ever found yourself entranced by a rhythm, a melody, or a memory that transports you to another place and time? That's the magic Bruce Ascher, a die-hard Deadhead from Putnam County, brings to the table in our latest episode. With the backdrop of Led Zeppelin and Motown beats, Bruce's musical pilgrimage led him to the Grateful Dead's doorstep, and he's never looked back. We journey with him to his first Dead concert—a serendipitous celebration on Bob Weir's birthday—and through the enchanting live shows that solidified his lifelong devotion. Bruce's tales aren't just about the music; they're a testament to the vibrant community and shared experiences that defined being a Deadhead in the golden '70s and '80s.

From the Fourth of July with Bob Dylan co-headlining the Grateful Dead—Bruce was there, and his anecdotes from that iconic 1987 show are just the tip of the iceberg. We navigate through the band's evolving eras, from Keith and Donna to the jazzy stylings of Brent Mydland, and into the hands of cover bands that keep the flame burning brightly. Bruce's narrative includes a nod to local New York legends like Grateful Bro, painting a picture of a scene that refuses to fade away, sustained by the undying passion of fans and musicians alike.

Our conversation takes a literary turn as we explore the intersection between the Grateful Dead's cultural phenomenon and the written word, with a spotlight on TC Boyle's "Drop City." We unravel how Boyle's portrayal of freedom and counterculture resonates deeply with Deadheads. Wrapping up, we reflect on the ever-present musical connections that continue to unite and inspire, from spontaneous jams with Bob Weir to the present-day concert scenes that keep the Dead's timeless vibe pulsing through the air. Join us for an unmissable episode that's as much about the music as it is about the memories and the indelible marks they leave on our lives.

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Join us on a sonic journey as Tommy Kennedy takes us from the electric buzz of a Bob Dylan fandom to the psychedelic swirl of becoming a Grateful Dead convert. The episode kicks off with Tommy's rich storytelling, painting the scene of his first Grateful Dead concert where the air was thick with excitement and faces were adorned with vibrant paints. His tales extend beyond the music, revealing the tapestry of experiences that hooked him into the Dead's unique culture, and how one album, "Wake of the Flood," served as the catalyst for this transformation. We navigate through Tommy's recollections of the contrast between East and West Coast Dead shows, the ingenuity of sneaking an ice chest into venues, and the community spirit that saw him through an incredible 187 concerts.

As the conversation unfurls, we find ourselves reflecting on the broader picture of music appreciation, evoking memories of a time when ticket prices were a fraction of today's costs and each venue had its own distinct atmosphere. We share laughs over a Bobby Vinton concert and wax nostalgic about the Grateful Dead's dual drummers and the shift in their performance sound.

The episode culminates with a heart-to-heart about I Hike for Mental Health www.hikeformentalhealth.org, a nonprofit co-founded by Tommy after a chance encounter that married his love for hiking with a cause close to his heart. We examine how hitting the trails can be a balm for the mind and the critical importance of mental health research and trail preservation, efforts that Tommy's organization champions. A touching tribute to Brent, the "new guy" who left an everlasting imprint on the Grateful Dead, rounds out our discussion. His legacy, like the music of the Dead, continues to resonate with fans old and new, a testament to the enduring power of community and song.

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Ever found yourself reminiscing about your first psychedelic experience while listening to the Grateful Dead? Or how about that time when you unearthed your love for genres you didn't even know existed? Join my dear friend Kurt and I as we take a trip down memory lane, discussing our shared love for music, and our unforgettable concert experiences including our time at the Grateful Dead concert at Deer Creek in 1992. Kurt opens up about his musical journey, how he transitioned from '80s rap to alternative music, and eventually got hooked on the Grateful Dead.

A trip to our younger days wouldn't be complete without our local hangouts and our penchant for camping and Waffle House visits. Remember the era of cassette tapes, copying our favorite music, and sharing it with each other? Kurt relives these moments, along with our longest concert at the World Mardi Gras watching P-Funk. He also introduces us to his passion for MIDI music.
Vægaënic Vibez on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/vaegaenicvibez

Our musical journey doesn't stop there. We also explore the modern bands that have caught our attention. Bands like Goose, with their amazing guitar player, and Corey Wong's funk-rock sound. We dive into the realm of 'sad dad music', particularly the tunes of Gregory Alan Isakov. And who could forget the exceptional drumming of Bill Kreuzman from the Grateful Dead's early days? Tune in for an episode steeped in music, memories, and laughter.

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Tales From The Lot
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Ever found yourself lost in a parking lot for hours after a mind-blowing Grateful Dead concert? George Michaels, author of 'Grateful Dead Tour Tales', not only knows exactly how that feels, but also crafted an entire collection of captivating stories based on such experiences. Join us as we journey through George's transformation from a club kid to a devoted Deadhead, and get a glimpse of the Grateful Dead culture through his eyes. Hear about his first Grateful Dead concert in Saratoga, where he lost his car for three hours, and the tale behind the unexpected Mississippi Half Step performance at the Nassau Coliseum show.

Grateful Dead Tour Tales: Volume One: 1984-1987

Available here: https://www.amazon.com/Grateful-Dead-Tour-Tales-1984-1987

But wait, there's more! What if you could relive the magic of attending 35 Dead shows in a single year? Get ready to ride along as George recounts his transformative adventures as a Deadhead. From the memorable show where he heard Shakedown Street for the first time, to the European tours and the breakout shows with the Warlocks, there’s a tale for every tune. We also talk about his writing journey, as he crafted a book that aims to encapsulate the myriad experiences and life-changing moments that come with being a part of the Grateful Dead fandom. And speaking of being part of this unique culture, let's not forget the indispensable Tangle Free Dreadlocks Hairbrush!

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TFTL Ep18 Always Feeling Like Some '69 - 5/6/1990 - California State U. Dominguez Hills

My guest, CP,  is here from AZ to discuss seeing the Grateful Dead at Cal State on 5/6/1990, the fine wine that is the Dead's catalog, and The 48 Laws of Power.

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Tales From The Lot
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 TFTL Ep17 Super Hippie Dippy - 5/27/1989 - Oakland Coliseum

My guest, Michael Leube, is here from Budapest, Hungary to discuss seeing Grateful Dead at the Oakland Coliseum in 1989, the 80/20 Rule, a heartbreaking Stella Blue, and why Billie Jean is the best pop song.

#GratefulDead #OaklandColiseum #MusicMemories #StellaBlue #BillieJean #Podcast 

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TFTL Ep16 A Ring of People Dancing - 10/17/1983 - Lake Placid, NY

My guest, Steve White,  is here to discuss seeing the Grateful Dead at Lake Placid, the Spud Hut, and much more.

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TFTL Ep15 The Circus Is In Town - 9/15/2021 & 7/2/1995 - Deer Creek Music Center

My guest, Aaron Okerson,  is here to discuss seeing Dead and Company at Ruoff Music Center on 9/15/2021, Hyryder, and much more.  In the second half, I take a deep dive into the fence crashing on 7/2/95 at Deer Creek and the "Tour of Doom".

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TFTL Ep02-04 Too Many Shows, Too Little Time - 5/5 & 5/6/1990 - Cal State, Carson, CA

My guest, Paul Kjellberg,  is here to discuss his experience seeing the Grateful Dead at Cal State on 5/5 & 5/6/90, and much more.

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This episode is sponsored by ShakedownTshirts.com with unique lot-style T-shirts and gifts for Grateful Dead, Phish, Zappa, Panic, and more.  All US orders over $35 Ship Free. Use code "Lot20" for 20% off any order.

Tales From The Lot
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