Please, Be Kind

First and foremost, thank you Chicago.  This city seemed to be built to cater to the Dead Head masses that descended upon it starting the middle of last week.  For a holiday weekend, the hotels were full, the river walk was being, well, walked, and the tie-dye freak flag was flying.  You couldn’t turn your head without seeing “Heads” in different shirts, all dedicated to the remembrance of a band that has 50 years of history. 

The vibe was one of universal acceptance.  In the most crowded of spaces, people were courteous and apologetic lest they impact negatively on your trip.  Getting into and out of the venue, at times, felt like a hippie cattle-call, with the various and sundry compilation of competing aromas.  A side note: the best was when a traditionally dressed Indian family exited the Field Museum that is adjacent to Soldier Field, they were holding their noses.  Still, when was the last time that you bumped into someone, and THEY apologized? 

As per usual, in addition to the concert goers, there were the traditional support crew of Shakedown Heads, hawking their wares, selling everything from wearables to edibles.  Beers were had, mysterious transactions were made, and smiles were wide and pervasive.  We got many compliments on our unique T-shirts, some I designed, some I wore, and some I bought.  And, the scene was good.  Let’s go to a show.

As anyone who has heard the crooning of the Grateful Dead, you realize that you’re not really there for the refined vocals…but the music on the whole.  True to form, and even with Trey Anastasio belting out some of Jerry’s tunes, the singing left much to be desired.  However, the playing was off the charts.  The three subs: Trey, Jeff Chimenti and Bruce Hornsby (yes, that Bruce Hornsby), added what was missing from the “Core Four” remaining members of the Grateful Dead to make a truly authentic show come to life.  And, without the benefit of hundreds of shows to perfect aspects of each song, the 7 musicians absolutely killed it.  Of the 5 shows (including those out in California), only two songs were repeated, which means that the 3 dudes “new” to the group, had to learn about 100 songs (lyrics, music, changes, etc.) in relatively short order considering the legacy that lay before them. 

Did I have a good time?  I don’t know how I couldn’t.  I was surrounded with 3 awesome traveling companions: FIL, Emkay and Eekay.  And, as an avid listener to years and years of previous shows (I’m partial to the late 70’s early 80’s shows without Donna, but with a more musically-abled Garcia), I felt that this version of the band absolutely nailed the feel of the music…honoring what has been a 50-year American tradition, and on the 4^th of July no less.  While, due to my age, I’m fairly new to the scene, I think that, based on the lack of Chicago news about drug-fueled arrests and injuries, we carried ourselves (the Deadheads) really well…respected each other, and respected the intent of the message of the music over the course of 3-days.  It made me wonder why we can’t do this all the time.  From the band:  “The feeling we have here — remember it, take it home and do some good with it,” Mickey Hart said in closing. “I’ll leave you with this: Please, be kind.”  And we will.