One More Saturday Night

It’s hard to believe it’s been over two months since I’ve written an update, but to be honest - not much has been happening. I’ve been hard at work trying to book gigs for Sandra in an economy where no one is buying, and also doing what I can to support the most recent Rex Foundation event, The Black Tie-Dye Ball with Dark Star Orchestra at the Nokia Theater. Rex has been holding Black Tie-Dye Balls since 2004, and while each one is an independent event, they all share the common festive atmosphere created by the people and musicians who want to further what the Grateful Dead started 25 years ago.

The Host Committee included people I consider to be “heavy hitters” in the Grateful Dead community such as John McIntire (former manager of the Grateful Dead), Rhoney Stanley (yes… that Stanley), Elliot Mazer (who has produced artists such as Neil Young and Janis Joplin), and Steve Bernstein (of Relix Magazine) as well as some long-time fans who were simply “on the bus” for as long as the bus was on the road, and…well, me. I honestly felt somehow less qualified to support the program than my fellow committee members. I was a relative “newbie” on the bus (I only started seeing the boys in ’85) and my only connection to the band was my love and passion for the music. I did, however, have the motivation to have as much of an impact as I possibly could.

Most of the items for the silent auction were procured by the Host Committee members, and I wanted to be able to make a contribution as well. Rex likes to focus on grass-roots action and local artists/purveyors whenever possible. My good friend, Kathryn Fisher, who lives locally, is a photographer and has taken some great shots of Bruce Hornsby over the years. Since Bruce had played with the Dead for several years, I thought it appropriate to ask her if she would be interested in donating a photo or two. She, very wisely, thought to check with Bruce to see if he’d be ok with the inclusion of his photos in the auction. Not only did he (through his amazing assistant, Patti Martin) give his consent, he also offered to autograph the photos, AND he tossed in an autographed copy of his box set, Intersections. When I wrote to let Theresa and Sandy (at Rex) know, I realized that I guess I really do have a lot more to offer than I realize.

The event itself was fluid and fun for all. Theresa and I arrived at 1:00 pm to start getting things set up. The other volunteers started arriving around 2:30, and we had a great group who helped make all the magic happen (thanks, all!). The pre-party was festive, and we had special guests there, including the members of DSO, Donna Jean Godchaux, Jeff Mattson (of the Zen Tricksters) and his lovely wife Randi, Bill Walton (the world’s tallest Deadhead) and his lovely wife Lori, and many of the Host Committee members. The show was stellar (7/8/78 – Red Rocks) and I even got a chance to dance a bit once we closed out the auction.

I’m really pleased with the entire experience…. With the exception of the ordeal that ensued afterwards when I locked my key in the trunk of my car at 1:30 in the morning, outside the Nokia. My advice to all who drive a VW Cabrio - DON’T do that (and really, the back seat does not come out, even though you think it should!)