Never say "never."

[laughingwillow]

So we got an email this morning from a friend in colorado concerning a couple of Phil shows in the beginning of May.  I know after toostoned died I'd said I had no reason to go back out to Colorado, but was wrong.

Speaking of toostoned, I've thought of our fallen friend most every day since he died last April. And it hasn't really gotten much easier, yet. I miss Lee.

Anyway, Phil will be playing at the Philmore in Denver on May 8 and 9. I think it would really be nice to meet up with any spf'ers who are looking for a spring getaway. The venue is cool, the music hot and there will be more dirty hippies than you can shake a stick at. I'm not sure if I'm ready for a circus joint yet, but that might be something that goes off in toostoned's memory, as he sure got a kick out of burning down circus joints in da philmore when Phil was doing his thang....

lw

[JRL]

lw, the brother wouldn't want you to miss a good time on his account

[laughingwillow]

Thanks, man.

After Lee died, we figured we'd start catching shows a little closer to home. But in the last year, I've come to realize that midwest shows typically aren't the same as west coast or Denver shows. Different crowd. Different feel.

Believe it or not, fun isn't my main objective at "family" oriented events.  Knowledge and understanding are what I'm after. And that process ain't always a barrel of laughs. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of fun at dead related shows. But for me, some of the most profound experiences have occured in this setting for me and those moments usually involve being torn between wanting to flee, shit me pants or hunker down for the long haul. While there really isn't much "fun" in that process, it is a rush to know you're alive, well and that mystery does indeed exist.

lw

[JRL]

By "good time" I didn't neccasarily mean "fun". Garcia once said something like "we're fun but it's serious fun" A show is a much deeper experience than say a round of minature golf or whatever passes for fun in the Amercan wasteland. A show should touch you deeply to the souils and leave you a changed person.

[laughingwillow]

Right-o, jrl. I know were on the same page.

There appears to be a mighty fine line between sacramental and recreational participation, and I guess I've been a little sensitive as of late concerning that topic.

lw

[JRL]

I don't think it's a line just shades of day glo. Recreation is re-creation.

[laughingwillow]

On some levels, I agree. But I guess my view on this has changed a little in the last year or so.

Of course, I don't expect anyone else to live by my beliefs. Legislating my own actions is tough enough without worrying about anyone else's so-called transgressions.

lw

[JRL]

I think that the whole Prankster/Dead ethic is based on smearing that line. It's all good. That's the point. Freak freely!  There is room for everybody!

[laughingwillow]

Thanks for the psychic tune-up, bro.

lw

[senorsalvia]

Of course, I don't expect anyone else to live by my beliefs. Legislating my own actions is tough enough without worrying about anyone else's so-called transgressions.

lw

Zowwie!!!!  Now that's a great line!  Thnkx LW...  Great thread BTW...... sal

[laughingwillow]

Three daze and counting...

My ol' college roomie, Andy, is coming along for the ride to Denver and beyond. hehe

Please join us Thursday and Friday evening at the Phillmore in Denver while the tribe gets Our collective freak on to the smooth grooves of PhilCo.

lw

[JRL]

So who is in the band? I'm thinking that Jackie might be still on the band, because my arch-nemesis, who plays for Jackie's road band is back in town.

[laughingwillow]

Jackie is still with the band, along with John Molo, Larry Campbell and Steve Molitz.

Oh yeah, some dude named Phil is sitting in on bass....

lw

[JRL]

I heard he is pretty good for an old guy..........

or was that me they were talking about??

[laughingwillow]

The doctor was In......

Two nights in the Philmore were definitely what I needed.

The band in general and Jackie in particular have come a long way in the last year or so. Phil is still giving the band directions through the monitors, but it seems to be getting a lot more natural for Jackie. Btw, "The Pride of San Francisco," as Phil called jackie the first night had a needle nose pliers on stage for a short time both nights. He ripped almost every string off his gat the first night during a feedback segment. I shite you not.

The second night brought me a deep psychic cleansing. On a couple of levels, it was one I'll never forget. Thank you Phil, Jackie, John, Larry and Steve.

ANyway, the hospitality was great. It was nice to see Stork and the rest of the gang again.

jrl: Heads up. After talking to the wife today, I'm guessing the next place we'll catch Phil will be in the City......

lw