ORIGINALITY CORNER
Either while touring for decades, manning side projects, or sitting in on gigs, these six musicians have blown up many stages with nostalgia and pride. They’ve built-up and sustained an essence and a legacy, not only of great music, but for the “jam” of it all. With time, fans have grown more dedicated. And with time, the musicians have sowed a tighter network. Now the movement progresses one step further. They are Furthur.

Furthur is Phil Lesh (guitar), Bob Weir (bass), Jeff Chimenti (keys), John Kadlecik (guitar), Jay Lane (drums), and Joe Russo (drums). Based on the members’ bios, it doesn’t take half-a-brain to know this project will produce elongated jam sessions and climactic melodies. The question is, what will they play?

Lesh and Weir, two staples of the Grateful Dead, cut all ties after Jerry Garcia died. Weir formed Rat Dog with Rob Wasserman, and on Wasserman’s recommendation, Lane joined the group. Upon Lane’s suggestion, they brought on Chimenti. Lesh started Phil Lesh and Friends incorporating various players at any given time, often asking past Dead members, with the exception of Weir, to join.
More on Board The Bus, It’s Time To Go Furthur

NOT ROCK
This week, I want to take a moment to rant about what doesn’t rock. In fact, it sucks. The Gathering of the Vibes has always featured super talent, all in the same spirit of a genuine love for music. In the past, I’ve given many kudos to the Vibes for its line up. But this year I’ve got a huge bone to pick – not about who is on deck, but who’s not. Why isn’t the Dead headlining? It just doesn’t make any sense.

When Jerry Garcia died, a huge loss was felt nationally; thousands upon thousands mourned. For over 30 years, fans followed the Dead not just because they couldn’t get enough of the climactic jams or intense heartfelt lyrics, but because a Dead show was a community of friends. In 1996, a year after Garcia’s death and their last show, the good people at Terrapin Tapes, a media distribution company for concert tapers, decided to throw a memorial party at SUNY Purchase. Their goal was to perpetuate kinship and fill a void. As such, they named it the Deadhead Heaven: A Gathering of the Tribe. In ‘97 the festival relocated and became known as The Gathering of the Vibes.
More on Vibing Without the Dead