Not Dead Yet!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anchor: “Dead and Co. brought a big, big crowd – of all ages – out to SPAC on a beautiful Tuesday, June 21 evening. We have team wraparound coverage – starting with Mark Bolles – somewhere in that human sea… where are you, Mark?” MB: “Thanks! I’m just outside the amphitheater area, now – and you are right – this place is packed. You know, not to be unGrateful but I half expected this show to be a lame imitation of the former Dead. WOW was I wrong. I broke out in goose bumps as Dead & Co. broke out of the box with ‘Feel Like a Stranger’ tonight. The crowd went wild; it was time to get groovy. The temptation to join the throng and dance to the funky rhythm was almost overwhelming, however I had to be steady and focus. For photography was my mission but just the first 15 minutes (typical time allotment with a photo pass). That was time enough to snap the Grateful Dead hybrid featuring iconic co-founder Bob Weir together with veteran percussionists Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. Grammy winning bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti may not have been center stage; however their contributions should not be underscored. The linchpin to the ensemble was John Mayer, not just for his guitar hooks but vocals as well. “Now, over to Arthur, who’s been covering news from the lawn...” AG: “Yes, thanks Mark. I thought I was the grumpy one of the group about this whole thing – even pre-writing headlines with words like ‘fossil’ and jokes about Petrified Sea Gardens being closed already – but I, too, did a 180-degree turn in my attitude, when I started to absorb the vibe on the lawn – particularly along what is called ‘Participation Row’ There I found Lizzy, Alyssa and a whole crew of enthusiastic, happy people engaged in an information exchange about important social issues – from voter registration to solar-powered cellphone and device charging stations. “Lizzy, a Chicago-area native, has been touring with Bob Weir’s musical ventures for about 7 years now in conjunction with HeadCount.org. She has the forms to register you to vote in any state, even change your party preference. I did see her actually change two people’s registration to Republican right before my eyes! I think they were testing her, Mark – but she fished out the right paperwork instantly. Not enough to call it a trend, but an interesting anecdote given the time and place… “Meanwhile the music. Here’s my quick scorecard. John Mayer – A+! He got an A- just by taking on the role of legendary lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, but went up from there. Song list: solid A. Particularly impressive was the choice of ‘Deal’ to end the first set – an homage to some of the original Grateful Dead shows of the past. Mark - any final thought?” MB: “Just a beautiful summer evening, good vibes all around.” AG: “I guess they’re not quite Dead yet! Now back to you in the studio.”