Rex Foundation benefit album in memory of Jerry Garcia

It has been fifteen years since the death of Jerry Garcia. A benefit album for the Rex Foundation has been put together as a compilation of Grateful Dead songs covered by such bands as Phish, String Cheese Incident, and Widespread Panic. Both as a lover of the music of the Dead and as someone who understands the value of non-profits, I plan on purchasing this album.

I found about this originally on Jambase.

Three good bands last night

I went to the Cabooze last evening to catch three bands: The Bill Mike Band, Greg Ginn and the Taylor Texas Corrugators, and Jambang. The first group is local, while the last two feature Greg Ginn, Steve LeLollis on drums, and Bobby Bancalari on mandolin.

Greg played bass in the first set, which was an improvised country music set.

For Jambang, he switched to guitar. As Steve explained to me between sets, Jambang uses a pre-recorded bass and synth track around which the three of them improvise.

Anyhow, these guys worked hard, played well, and have a bunch of dates ahead of them. Check them out!

Apr 3 @ Aquarium in Fargo, ND
Apr 4 @ Railyard Ale House & Casino in Billings, MT
Apr 5 @ Otherside in Missoula, MT
Apr 7 @ The Mix in Seattle, WA
Apr 8 @ Tonic Lounge in Portland, OR
Apr 9 @ Stillwater in Ashland, OR
Apr 11 @ The Inn Place Laytonville, CA
Apr 13 @ Red Fox Tavern in Eureka, CA
Apr 14 @ Bombay's in Redding, CA
Apr 15 @ Lost On Main in Chico, CA
Apr 16 @ Java Lounge in Sacramento, CA
Apr 17 @ Divided Sky in Meyers, CA
Apr 19 @ Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco, CA
Apr 20 @ Plea for Peace Center in Stockton, CA
Apr 22 @ Monterey Live in Monterey, CA
Apr 23 @ Fishlips in Bakersfield, CA
Apr 24 @ Fais Do Do in Los Angeles, CA
Apr 25 @ Blue Cafe HB in Huntington Beach, CA
Apr 26 @ Hensley's Flying Elephant in Carlsbad, CA
Apr 29 @ DiPiazza's in Long Beach, CA
Apr 30 @ Winston's in San Diego, CA

Caught a Willie Waldman show last week!

Happy Spring, everyone! I'm glad warmer weather has returned.

Last week was very nice. After finishing a school assignment the week before, last week was relaxing with school out. I went out on St. Patrick's Day with a couple of friends at Kieran's, and on Wednesday night, I caught the trumpeter Willie Waldman for the first time. What a great show! He played with Steve Molitz from Particle, Kris Myers from Umphrey's McGee, and a few other terrific musicians. The painter Norton Wisdom painted while the band played.

As always, I am happy to experience some new art and music!

We got smoked!

We lost all four of our games. It was a very tough evening!

On a positive note, I got to see one of my buddy's band play at Memory Lanes! It was great hearing some late night punk rock!

Music and your health

I'm listening to this interesting story on NPR--Science Friday--about how listening to music that brings you joy can improve your cardiovascular health.