TFTL Ep 23 People Were Taking Care of Each Other - The Matrix, Carousel Ballroom, Keystone, and More!
04/09/24 • 44 min
Bill Bigelow takes us on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area's legendary music scene, where the melodies of the Grateful Dead once danced through iconic venues like the Carousel Ballroom and the Fillmore West. As we explore his stories, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, we witness the origins of a community united by music. Bill's encounters with the Dead's intimate shows and his insights into their ever-evolving relationship with promoter Bill Graham offer a rare glimpse into the spirit of an era defined by transformative sounds and kinship.
The air of a Grateful Dead concert was electric with camaraderie and the unexpected, like the time Bob Weir handed out tuna sandwiches or a compassionate security guard went above and beyond. Our episode captures those moments, the surge of energy during a "Dark Star" transition into "St. Stephen," and pays homage to the irreplaceable Pigpen. These concerts weren't just about music—they were a space where memories and lifelong bonds were forged, where each song became a collective heartbeat shared by everyone in the room.
Venture with us into the crossroads of social justice and music education, where the Zinn Education Project www.zinnedproject.org meets the anti-apartheid anthem "Sun City." We remember the voices that sang for change, like Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen, and the blues artists elevated by Bonnie Raitt. To cap it off, we discover the hypnotic fusion of North African rhythms and rock through the artistry of Bombino, drawing parallels to Jimi Hendrix and celebrating the joy of unraveling new sounds that continue to reshape our musical world. Join us for an episode that's not just a nod to the past, but also an embrace of the future's endless possibilities in sound.
Rethinking Schools - rethinkingschools.org
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
Bill Bigelow takes us on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area's legendary music scene, where the melodies of the Grateful Dead once danced through iconic venues like the Carousel Ballroom and the Fillmore West. As we explore his stories, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, we witness the origins of a community united by music. Bill's encounters with the Dead's intimate shows and his insights into their ever-evolving relationship with promoter Bill Graham offer a rare glimpse into the spirit of an era defined by transformative sounds and kinship.
The air of a Grateful Dead concert was electric with camaraderie and the unexpected, like the time Bob Weir handed out tuna sandwiches or a compassionate security guard went above and beyond. Our episode captures those moments, the surge of energy during a "Dark Star" transition into "St. Stephen," and pays homage to the irreplaceable Pigpen. These concerts weren't just about music—they were a space where memories and lifelong bonds were forged, where each song became a collective heartbeat shared by everyone in the room.
Venture with us into the crossroads of social justice and music education, where the Zinn Education Project www.zinnedproject.org meets the anti-apartheid anthem "Sun City." We remember the voices that sang for change, like Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen, and the blues artists elevated by Bonnie Raitt. To cap it off, we discover the hypnotic fusion of North African rhythms and rock through the artistry of Bombino, drawing parallels to Jimi Hendrix and celebrating the joy of unraveling new sounds that continue to reshape our musical world. Join us for an episode that's not just a nod to the past, but also an embrace of the future's endless possibilities in sound.
Rethinking Schools - rethinkingschools.org
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 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
Next Episode
TFTL Ep 24 When Is The Next Tour? - 70's 80's 90's and Chimps!
When Bob Ingersoll describes his first Grateful Dead concert, you can almost feel the pulsing energy of the crowd and the transformative power of the music. This episode takes a wild ride with Bob, a chimp expert, and Deadhead, as he shares his life's tapestry woven with threads of passion for primates and the Grateful Dead. His stories transport us from his early college days to the emotional depth of his bond with Nim Chimpsky, a chimp he worked with closely. Bob's journey is not just about his own evolution but also about the heartbreak of losing his primate friends to medical research and how it steered him towards the vibrant embrace of the Deadhead community.
Imagine the thrill of chasing live concerts across the country, each show a unique snowflake in the blizzard of Grateful Dead fandom. Bob regales us with tales of close encounters with the band, the kinship formed with fellow fans, and the spontaneous drum circles that capture the essence of this cultural phenomenon. These memories underscore the shared experiences that resonate long after the final notes fade, like the story of Bob's mother donning a Dead-themed shirt years after being deeply moved by a performance, and his cousin's treasured ticket stubs that serve as portals to the past.
Fusing the kindred spirits of music and activism, Bob's narrative culminates in an exploration of compassion, from his vegan awakening to his tireless efforts in animal advocacy. This episode is not just an invitation to reminisce but a call to action, encouraging listeners to embrace the legacy of the Grateful Dead in their own lives and join the ongoing quest for animal welfare and environmental justice. Bob's dedication to both the music and the cause invites us to consider how our own passions can ignite change and foster a better world, all while keeping the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive and well.
Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary - okprimates.org
Oliver and Friends Farm Sanctuary - oliverandfriends.org
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 23 People Were Taking Care of Each Other - The Matrix, Carousel Ballroom, Keystone, and More!
Transcript
Tales from the Lot , episode 23 . People were taking care of each other . My guest is Bill Bigelow , and if you've ever wondered what it was like at the Grateful Dead beginnings of the late 60s , you're going to want to listen to this one . We did have some technical difficulties in the beginning that I think I made worse by trying to fix them . So apologies for the noise , but
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