The week-and-change between the 1st and 9th of August marks a special time for Grateful Dead fans everywhere as they celebrate “The Days Between” the anniversaries of Jerry Garcia‘s birth (8/1/42) and his death (8/9/95). During that time, devoted followers get even more into the Dead, with bands and venues around the country following suit. In observance of Jerry’s birthday and The Days Between, Jazz Is Dead traveled to the holy land of San Francisco with its jazz-inspired interpretations of Grateful Dead classics.
Within the City by the Bay, Jazz Is Dead landed in a location of added significance by staging its two-night run at the Great American Music Hall. The site holds special meaning for Deadheads in light of the band’s August 13th, 1975 invite-only performance there previewing their LP Blues for Allah. The recordings were later released as the official live album One From The Vault, with the show arriving as only the band’s third in nearly a year as they took a well-deserved touring hiatus in 1975.
The Great American Music Hall also holds special significance for Jazz Is Dead guitarist Steve Kimock, who on this tour plays alongside bassist Alphonso Johnson, drummer Pete Lavezzoli, and guitarist Bobby Lee Rodgers. Back in 1992, Kimock’s band Zero (born from the ashes of Keith and Donna Jean Godchaux‘s extremely short-lived Heart of Gold Band) staged a historic three-night run at the music hall. During this trio of shows, the formerly all-instrumental band debuted a new batch of songs containing lyrics written by none other than Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter.
Jazz Is Dead will continue its observance of the Days Between with a string of cross-country concerts throughout early and mid-August. Additionally, Jazz Is Dead is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a band and 50 years of the Dead’s Wake of the Flood, sprinkling in songs throughout each night’s setlist. Up next for the band is a two-night stand at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C. on Friday and Saturday. For tickets and a full list of dates visit Kimock’s website.
Check out videos from Jazz Is Dead’s second of two nights in San Francisco via Ted Silverman AKA TedToob along with full setlists from the run.
Jazz Is Dead – “At A Siding” – 8/2/23
Setlist: Jazz Is Dead | Great American Music Hall | San Francisco, CA | 8/1/23
Set One: Crazy Fingers, Franklin’s Tower, Tennessee Jed, China Cat Sunflower, Touch of Grey
Set Two: Estimated Prophet, Eyes of the World, Help on the Way > Slipknot! > Terrapin Station
Setlist: Jazz Is Dead | Great American Music Hall | San Francisco, CA | 8/2/23
Set One: At a Siding > Terrapin Flyer > Refrain, St. Stephen, The Eleven, Scarlet Begonias, Stella Blue
Set Two: Shakedown Street > Here Comes Sunshine, Dark Star, Cumberland Blues, Uncle John’s Band