TFTL Ep 21 You Were All Part of the Band - Englishtown, NJ 9/3/1977
03/26/24 • 39 min
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.
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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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthelot
YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@talesfromthelot
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.
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
[email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthelot
YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@talesfromthelot
Previous Episode
TFTL Ep 20 That Bus Has A Lot of Wheels - Deer Creek 6/28/1992
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.
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
[email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthelot
YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@talesfromthelot
Next Episode
TFTL Ep 22 Those Were The Days, As Archie Said - The Golden '70s and '80s
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.
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
[email protected]
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talesfromthelot
YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@talesfromthelot
Tales From The Lot - Grateful Dead Show Experiences - TFTL Ep 21 You Were All Part of the Band - Englishtown, NJ 9/3/1977
Transcript
Tales from the Lot , Episode 21 . You were all part of the band . Tommy Kennedy's here to talk about 9377 in Englishtown , New Jersey , hiking for mental health and East Coast versus West Coast shows . Let's do it .
Speaker 1Hi , welcome to Tales from the Lot . My name is Will , I'm your host and my guest today is Tommy Kennedy . We're going
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