Music in the Sub-Sequential Era of the Grateful Dead

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July 3rd, 10:15 a.m., blinds shut, lights off, yet solitude remains but a distant memory. Last nights endeavors weighing heavy on my lethargically warped brain. Through the splitting headache of yesterday’s mistakes remains a mysterious level of gratitude and sanctity. The Grateful Dead’s run may be coming to an end at the crest of the weekend, but thanks to their longwinded diligence remains a divine manifestation of music and subsequent outpouring of new bands. Artists have flooded into Chicago from all over the country to take part in this extraordinary weekend. Furthermore, it’s remarkably clear that much of today’s music has been derived and developed thanks to the musical contribution of the Grateful Dead. 

Like it or not one of the biggest touring bands in the country, Phish unfolded and blossomed during the last days of the Grateful Dead in the early 90’s and then ballooned their following with the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995. That was a revolutionary point in time for the jam-band music scene, as everything changed all was simultaneously recreated. Phish toured extensively for another decade until beginning their hiatus in 2004, which lasted 5 solid years until reforming in 2009. Much of their success and sustainability is owed to the Dead. 

Weekend festivities kicked off at the Chicago Theatre with Keller William’s Grateful Grass (with Infamous Stringdusters) and Greensky Bluegrass. Keller and the Dusters began the show with a non-stop train of bluegrass infused Dead tunes. Here’s the Dead soaked setlist:

Jack Straw 
Brown Eyed Women 
Candyman  
Cold Rain & Snow 
Feel Like A Stranger 
Big River 
Cumberland (They Love Each Other tease) 
Mr Charlie (Bird Song teases) 
On The Road Again 
He’s Gone
Samson & Delilah 
Scarlet Begonias

Scarlet Begonias was a bittersweet end to the set as Keller’s time on stage had come to an end. It felt as if things would only decline from there, but Greensky Bluegrass took the stage and delivered a ripping array of tunes. As the band played faster the people danced harder and you could feel the warmth and gratitude as the soaring cheers encompassed the majestic Chicago Theatre. Anticipation for a weekend of joy and exuberance lofted and transmitted through the air with wild authenticity. The future of music in the post Grateful Dead era may seem dim and petty but that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a weekend to say goodbye to the Grateful Dead and hello to the future. Lots more to come as all the hoopla is merely beginning. Here’s Greensky’s setlist:

Julius
Demons
Kerosene
Wings For Wheels
Leap Year
The Four
Hit Parade Of Love
Jaywalking 
Windshield 
I’d Probably Kill You
Don’t Lie >
Eyes of The World >
Don’t Lie

Encore (with everyone)
Black Muddy River
That’s What Love Will Make You Do >
Franklin’s Tower 


See you down the road…


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