Now, I missed the heyday of the Grateful Dead by a long shot. By the time I was old enough to know who they were.... it was almost too late. However, I did get to a show before Jerry died, and I'm so glad I did.

In high school, I figured out a few reasons why everyone loved "The Dead". This group of musicians was like an ever changing musical art installation. Every time you had the opportunity to hear them play live, you never knew exactly what was gonna happen (and neither did they!). It was even a thrill to listen to a bootleg tape, which a few of my friends always had on hand. Of course, the free flowing "happiness" that seemed to follow these minstrels from one parking lot to another was always a high light 😬.

But, I was drawn in by the very real, caring and all accepting, community vibe that circulated through the air around "The Dead" that mingled with their floating sound waves and the smoke that wafted above every swaying crowd.

And so, this post goes out to one of my very bestest childhood friends... the one who introduced me to this swirling and twirling part of the musi-verse.

Happy Birthday Ol' friend! Here's to a great year for you and your special fam ❤️.

All my love 🎈,

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Jack Straw was always one of our faves ⬇️.