Rex Jam Report from 10KLakes

10KLakes Music Festival
Detroit Lakes, MN
July 23 - July 36, 2008
Band: Matt Butler and The Everyone Orchestra
In support of the Detroit Lakes High School Band Musical Instrument Program

The Rex Jam at 10KLakes Music Festival was one of the best yet. It was most exciting because the Rex Jam was “born” at 10KLakes, with Matt Butler and the Everyone Orchestra, in 2007. Sandy Sohcot, Executive Director of Rex Foundation, was there last year to do the honors and get the ball rolling. I know Sandy would have liked to have been there this year, but I was really quite honored to stand-in on her behalf. I was glad to be among last year's veterans, with Matt leading the charge, Rex Volunteer Dave Fortescue as my right-hand-man, and Deanna Sinclair or the Detroit Lakes Rotary with her crew of Rotarians and Interact Club students from Detroit Lakes High School.

If you have never seen Matt Butler do his thing, you definitely need to check him out. He masterfully pulls together performers from several bands – in this instance it included Jen Durkin from Deep Banana Blackout and the Micky Hart Band and Kim Manning from The Parliament Funkadelic on vocals, Jannis Wallin from Family Groove Company and Patrice Blanchard from Panjea sharing the duties on Bass, Michael Kang from Panjea and Steve Kimock on guitars, Adam Lasher from Umelt on Keys, Allie Kral from Cornmeal on Fiddle, Johnny Polanski from One Under and Jason Hahn from SCI on drums and Percussion. – and then he conducts them as well as the audience, in this amazing performance of the Everyone Orchestra. Matt Butler is my new hero. He conducts with his whole body. He dances a round to convey emotion to the musicians and the audience, he includes the audience in the performance by encouraging timely claps and shouts, and he writes notes to the performers on a small white-board to tell them who to follow, what key to play, and other intricate things that exuberant body language simply can’t convey. It is a truly amazing thing to witness.

On top of all of that, he incorporated the Rex Jam into his performance. So instead of the typical situation where I get on stage, talk about the Rex Foundation and what the Rex Jam is all about, and then introduce the band – I felt as though I was actually brought in as part of the Orchestra. Matt brought me out on stage in the middle of their set, as he wanted to build the crowd up before I made my appeal. They were still deep in a hot jam and at first I wasn’t sure if I had read his cue right, but really – he’s very clear. So I hung out and sort of enjoyed the jam along with the crowd and the band. Matt brought the jam down and then spoke a bit about Music being a gift and it being an important thing for kids…. I wish I could remember exactly what he said. I’ll get a recording of it and correct this as soon as possible. Then he introduced me and I spoke very briefly, but passionately. Most of my “speech” went out the window, but fortunately I’ve done this enough at this point to know the basics. I tried to keep it short and sweet so as not to interrupt the amazing flow of the set.

This was the first Rex Jam where I didn’t go into the crowd with a bucket, as we already had 11 people out there, and it was a relatively small crowd. However, I just couldn’t sit still – the music the Orchestra was producing was so incredible and I was really high from it. I danced my energy through the crowd and supported the volunteers as much as I was able. I suppose that between Matt, the Orchestra, the volunteers, and me, we made all the right moves. The volunteers collected about $1700 for the Detroit Lakes High School Band Instrument program. We were really to have exceeded last year’s total of $1638.00.

Special thanks should go out to Chryll Sparks, who coordinated so many pieces of this production, and who took such good care of Dave and me while we were at the Festival. Also, to Stucker for his stage announcements and support throughout the day on Thursday and to Dave Wiesman for helping Matt and I connect with plenty of time to compare notes and plans for the event. Yet another raging success and a truly positive experience for all involved. (I think I’m getting good at this…..) ;-)

Doing what you love is really hot!

10,000 Lakes Music Festival
Detroit Lakes, MN
July 23 – 27, 2008

It is clear to me that I am doing the right thing. Yes – I’m still a little (ok, a lot when I really think about it) scared about what’s going to happen next, but I know I am doing something that makes me shine. I can’t count the number of folks I don’t know who have walked up to me to give me compliments about my energy and who I seem to be, the number of men who have flirted with me relentlessly, and the number of friends and family members who have told me, “Wow! You look great!” this summer. It feels so good to have that acknowledgement and validation. I am doing something I really believe in and have passion for, and apparently it shows.

My job at 10KLakes this weekend was right in line with all of this. Aside from the Rex Jam (which I’ll get to in my next post), I also worked “Event Staff/Concert Bowl – 2^nd Shift.” It’s nice that the promoters of this festival actually pay the folks who come to work. I have done the same kind of work at other festivals simply to receive a free ticket, but I actually got paid for this one. It’s not much, but it’s better than a poke in the eye with a hot stick! The management and staff of the 10KLakes Festival treated me wonderfully, both as an “employee” and as the Rex Representative (which I’ll get to, also in my next post).

As concert bowl staff, my job was to monitor the VIP entrance to the backstage area from 6:00 pm to 1:30 am (or so) each night. This might sound like something of a bummer, as it’s during all the good music, but actually, it suited me just fine. My supervisor, Theresa (different from the one from Rex/High Sierra), totally hooked me up and made sure I was in the sweet spot, right next to the main stage (I SO owe her!). I had a great sight line and basically got to “work” while enjoying the Mickey Hart Band (featuring Steve Kimock, George Porter and Jen Durkin) and Michael Franti and Spearhead on Thursday night; Wookiefoot, Slightly Stoopid and Flaming Lips on Friday night; and Leftover Salmon and Phil Lesh and Friends (with special guest John Schofield) on Saturday night. Also, late night sets from George Clinton and the P-Funk and Deep Banana Blackout – a little farther away, but still close enough for dancing if I positioned myself right. All I had to do was make sure the people who came through the entrance to the backstage area had the proper credentials, which I always enjoy because it becomes very social and as you all know, I’m a pretty social type of gal.

There was not a tremendous amount of traffic, so of course I did a lot of dancing. This had a very positive effect on the people as they came and went through my gate. By the end of the weekend, I received all kinds of comments from people, such as, “Wow! Do you ever stop?”, “We love you! You are our favorite gate guard!”, “You really love your job, don’t you?” and “You really have the moves! Dance on, Sister!” All of these were said with smiles and often accompanied by hugs and high fives. The other thing I remember is that several people commented that I was always smiling. They couldn’t believe that someone could actually smile so much of the time. It reminded me of the guy I met about 2 weeks after working at Unbroken Chain at UMASS, Amherst, last November. I was at a Dark Star Orchestra show and he stopped me and said, “I remember you! You’re the girl from that Grateful Dead Symposium who’s always smiling!” It feels good to be remembered for such a thing.

I also seem to have acquired a new “little brother” this trip. Evan and I met on the flight into Minneapolis. He happened to be in the seat next to me, and we started chatting briefly and discovered we were both going to 10KLakes. He taught me a little bit about what is "house music" (a question that has been plaguing me for months) and we just got on pretty well. Eventually, he turned to me and said, “I’m going to be really straight with you. I need a ride.” He had made plans with some girls he met on a recent trip, but they sort of fell apart right before he left Florida for the trip. Since I was renting a car anyway, and figured I could use the help w/gas money, I said sure. He still camped with the girls he made the original plans with, but he rode to and from the festival with me, and we hung out a bunch at the shows. He even helped with the Rex Jam on Friday and checked in on me while I was working, such a mensch! (That's Evan in the picture above).

See? You do what you love and you attract good people and good things to your life. It's that simple....

It's All Good, Baby!

All Good Music Festival, Marvin's Mountain Top - Masontown, WV July 10-13, 2008 (the Year of the Rat)

I don't know how well you can make it out from the picture, but I have outlined where I spent the majority of my time at All Good (the rest of the area is all camping and vending!) - I was super busy with Rex Foundation activities this weekend. It was exhausting, but well worth it. I also made a few new friends (shocking, right? shy as I am...) ran into more people I have known before, and learned to have a greater appreciation for the Bloody Mary (thanks, Evan)! All in all, it was really a super positive experience.

I can say that the good folks at Walther Productions were truly supportive of what Rex was trying to accomplish, and they really helped us to be successful. I had three main activities; Rex Presented a Q&A Collaboration with John Schofield, John Medeski and Adam Dietch; The Rex Jam with The Bridge; and I coordinated and staffed the beer service in the VIP "Sky Lounge." It was a lot of work, but also a good time & well worth the efforts.

The Sky Lounge was a new addition to the VIP program this year. Credit should go to Todd for his superb craftsmanship. The sight-line from the lounge was excellent - directly across from the two main stages, at the top of the hill. The sound was also pretty good up there. Even though I spent most of my time behind the beer taps, it was almost hard to call it "work." I could as I could hear all the music and rock out while serving beer. The most difficult time was during DSO. They sounded great, and I really wanted to sink into the music, but really couldn't. Other than that, it was a fine time. I had a great crew working with me... so special thanks go to Jen, Chuck, Darrell, Butch and Amy. You guys are the best! The VIPs were just as great. Such generosity I have rarely seen in my life. Many of them were surprised to discover that all the tips were going to Rex Foundation, but once they realized it, they seemed to tip even more! In fact, the last day - Jess, a woman who we'd been serving all weekend, who had been tipping well all weekend, came over to me, handed me a $50 bill and said, "I think what you're doing is amazing." I almost burst into tears. It was beautiful. It was like going back to all the good, fun, parts of my bar tending days, and really - none of the bad ones. Some of the VIPs left a stronger impression than others - but I think we all left there with something of a warm fuzzy feeling towards one another.

Friday afternoon I was to present a special Q&A Collaboration with Schofield, Medeski and Dietch. Brett (my point person at All Good) came to collect me from the Sky Lounge and shuttle me over to the Ropeadope stage where I met the manager Mario - who immediately became my new best friend. What a great guy - absolutely accommodating and really intent on helping me with anything I needed. (Plus - we realized that he lives about 10 blocks from where I lived in Brooklyn before I started this grand adventure.) I start to walk to the stage, and who is standing on the back part of the stage, but Gabby - a friend from NY. I was surprised at first, but then I remembered she had been working with MMW for a few months. It was great to see a friendly, familiar face before I went to speak to the crowd. ..ok, the crowd was pretty small, but still... I felt very welcomed on stage, as Schofield offered me his microphone to use. (such a gentleman). I did my speech - a truncated version of the Rex Jam speech - and we set out into the crowd to collect money. About half-way through the program, Schofield reminded the crowd that we were out there collecting and that they should dig into their pockets... I was so appreciative, and I never really got a chance to thank him sufficiently. I think I'll see them again at the Vibes...so I'll have to be sure to do that. Jen and I pulled in about $300 during the collection on Friday afternoon. Not too bad for a small crowd. On a side note, during the set, there was this guy who talked the band into letting him on stage - he was such a riot. Of course, you can check out part of his Ross Rap on You Tube (and you should).

On Saturday, we had the Rex Jam with the Baltimore-based band, The Bridge. I had been unsuccessful in getting in touch with them, and I was a little concerned because they were doing a special 20 minute set wholly dedicated to the Rex Jam. Again, Brett shuttled me down to the Main Stage area, where I finally did connect with the guys in the band as well as Mook - the stage manager in that area. Once again - everyone was great. I was more comfortable doing my presentation there, perhaps it's because I had Friday as a "practice run".... I do know that the crowd was really responsive so that also helped. During my presentation, the band heard me talking about the Jerry Jams CDs we are giving away (yours with a $20 donation, while supplies last!) and so they changed their set at the last minute, and opened with a great version of "Get Out of My Life" in honor of Jerry. I was really excited about that for a few reasons... 1) I simply enjoy the song and 2) it was so validating to know that people are actually listening to what I'm saying. So - we only had about 20 minutes (maybe less) to collect, but I had 9 people circulating. In that time we rasied around $1600. Not quite the $3000 we raised at High Sierra, but we also had limited time to collect. I was very pleased.

I really have to say something about my volunteers at this point.... i would have to say that THEY ROCK! I know how I feel about doing this work with Rex. Rex has been part of my consciousness for such a long time - I started seeing the Dead in '85, so Rex was always a given. To be doing this work for them is really great for me. What I love even more is that my volunteers, many of whom are probably too young to really remember anything about Rex Benefits and Grateful Dead Tour, are equally as excited when we do well. I just love it. In the end, combining the collections during the Q&A on Friday, the Rex Jam on Saturday, and the beer Tips - we raised well over $3000. Plus, Walther Productions is going to kick in part of the profits from each keg we sold, so I don't know what the final tally is, but I'm really proud of the work we did this weekend.

So - one last thing - it seems we always travel in the same circles, and this leads us to see the same people over and over again.... some sooner than others. I was in the dispatch trailer leaving a message for a friend of Theresa's who was going to try to help us with the Rex Jam, when I said my name to the person sitting behind the desk. The guy on the phone turned and looked at me and said, "Elyce?" I said, "Yes" - he said, "Donny." I said, "Holy moley" (ok, it wasn't "moley" but....). There before me stood Donny Emerick, who I was friends with at UNH. That's the 2nd UNH person I've run into this summer - I can't wait to find out who will be next!

It's a small world (but I'm glad I don't have to paint it).

Almost ablaze, still you don't feel the heat.

High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy, CA - July 3 - 6, 2008.

While the firefighters fought to control the blazes, several thousand people found ways around the fires to make it to the High Sierra Music Festival this past weekend. This was my second time attending the High Sierra Music Festival. I went as a patron in 2002, w/guest passes from Bruce Hornsby. I had a great time that year, went to a lot of the play-shops, ran into old friends, played for 3 days straight.... This year I had a great time as well, but the experience was wholly different.

After working with a number of the people from the High Sierra staff at Delfest, I really wanted to come out for this festival. I called Theresa, who I know from Rex Foundation, as she is the new Associate Director, but she also works with High Sierra. I told her that if she could get me a good gig, I'd love to come out. She decided to use me in the FestivALL (VIP) hospitality area. It was the perfect job for me, really. I got to see the music on the main stage and I got to schmooze with all the FestivALL patrons, and enjoy the comforts of backstage life. Most importantly, I finally got to work directly with Theresa! We have been working pretty closely together via phone and e-mail in coordinating the Rex Jams, but it is so nice to now have a face and a personal energy to put with the voice and the e-mail. It was awesome to work with her - such fun. She worked tirelessly - crazy 20 hour days - and managed to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude. AND - we raised a BUNCH of money for Plumas County Schools' music and arts programs through the Rex Jams at High Sierra. ROCK ON, T!

I know it's all about how you handle yourself with people and continuing to "put it out there." I feel like I was able to strengthen some relationships that were started at Delfest and I also made a few new great connections. One new connection was made through one of my FestivALL guests, Devorah. She and I had been talking about our goals and she insisted that I should meet this friend of hers, who produces a festival in California in the early part of the season. She introduced us, and we chatted and he seemed very interested in what I wanted to do. I was extremely encouraged when he gave me his card and told me to send him my resume. As it turned out, I ran into another friend (quite unexpectedly) who also knew this same man, and suggested I meet him. It was almost cosimc when I told him I already had. Anyway - I take this as a positive sign. I did send out my CV this morning, and I'm feeling really good about it.

While I spent most of my time working or sleeping, I did get to break away for some fun and visiting. I had the chance to check out Heather Munro Pierce's TransDance play shop. Now, we all know I will always be partial to the 5Rhythms, but this was so nice. I have often thought it would be great to have a 5Rhythms class outside, and now I know it would. Doing a spiritual dance practice with the sun shining on your face and the breeze rescuing you from the heat was truly delicious. The worst part about it was that I didn't get there until Sunday, so I missed the classes that were offered on Friday and Saturday. I also got to visit with my friends, Angelo and Beth DiGangi, in their Tie-dye booth. Angelo and I are from the same hometown . In fact, it was in his truck - in the parking lot at Hobart Beach on Eaton's Neck that I first.... (GET YOUR MINDS OUT OF THE GUTTER!!!) ... I first drove stick shift. ;-) Angelo was very brave and patient!

There were other people I met, who I think are significant - Massage Dave, Supply Goddesses Tamara and Sharon and Sharon's lovely daughter Corine (and Corine's friend Sam), Freda and Michelle - my co-FestivALL Goddesses, Kenny from backstage security... and of course Jim and Eddie, who gave me a ride back to Reno on Monday. ... that's a lot of significance.

I only just got home yesterday, and I'm off again in the morning for All Good. I will not only be running the Rex Jam at All Good, but I am also staffing and coordinating the beer tent in the VIP area (top of the hill). It's going to be kind of a long weekend, but I'm sure it will be great. I'm looking forward to working with Jen again - She helped with the Mountain Jam Rex Jam - as well as welcoming my friends, Butch and Amy, into the Rex Fold as beer tent staff. It's gonna be a good time!

Time Flies

I had a week at home... I had all kinds of plans, but then my grandmother died, at the age of 85, on Saturday morning. All of a sudden, I'm leaving again. To me, this week has flown by, with family coming and going (myself included); but I'm sure that right about now, it feels like the last 66 years of marriage have really flown by for my granfather.

I don't have much to say, as I'm about to leave for the airport to head to Quincy, California for the High Sierra Music Festival. My mother, my uncles and grandpa are still sitting shiva. This time is not flying for them.

So here's a special bit of love being sent to Grandma Irene Pearl Axelrod Bernstein. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I miss her already. Here's another special bit of love being sent to Grandpa Jerry. He is the quintessential grandpa (if you look it up in the dictionary, I'm sure it has a full page, color photograph of Jerome Bernstein, with the phrase " 'nuff said" after the photo). He's a great man, and a strong man, and so loved by so many that while I know that he will be very lonely for her, he will never be a lone. ...we should all be so lucky.