The first time I saw the Grateful Dead was the end of December 1967 at the Village Theater in NYC. I don't remember whether the 26th or 27th, but I do remember it was cold! No heat; and it was one of the last shows at this venue before resurrecting as the Fillmore East a few months later. I saw the band at Woodstock (1969) and Watkins Glen (1973) and many many shows thereafter.
Our children grew up on their music and eventually joined us at shows. These were wonderful shared experiences which I will cherish forever.
Then came granddaughter #1. By age two she knew the lyrics to Sugar Magnolia and the chorus of Franklin's Tower ("Roll away the dew..."). Six years later grandson #1 arrived followed two years later by his sister.
Of course, the music of the Grateful Dead permeated all our lives. We were looking forward to the day when our entire family could enjoy a show together.
On May 9, 2019 our wish was granted. A free benefit concert for Riverkeeper at the Naumburg Bandshell in NYC's Central Park. The event was co-sponsored by the Capitol Theater and Free Dead in the Park Concert. It continued a tradition begun on May 5, 1968 of a performance by the Grateful Dead attended by 5,000 people at this very same site!
Our concert featured the Stella Blues Band and the 5 P.M. start allowed us to bring all our grandkids too. We packed some blankets; grabbed some grub and headed for a picnic in the park.
Our youngest was just barely walking and she proudly strutted her fringed tie-dyed Dead shirt to the beat of the music. I scooped her up; covered her ears and we danced through the crowd to the front of the stage.
She was the belle of the ball!
I took a deep breath and took it all in...Three generations sharing the music & spirit of the Grateful Dead. It was a magical moment.
It was then that I began thinking of a way to show my appreciation for this band that means so much to me and my family. The idea of a Book of Gratitude was born. Now I want to offer an opportunity for fellow Deadheads, who also want to express their thanks, to contribute to this project.
I can't do it without your help.
I need you to send in written word (note, letter, story, poem, lyric), artwork or photography your expression of gratitude (see Home Page for details).
My intention is to compile, edit, market & distribute the book with the net profit to be donated to charity including Dead related (Rex Foundation, Jerry Garcia Foundation, etc.).
I want this to be a labor of love.
Also, I intend to get a copy of the book into the hands of each member of the Grateful Dead & extended family including Dead & Company and Phil & Friends, etc. as a fitting way for all of US to say "Thank You" to all of THEM.
It ALL depends on the response from YOU!
Forever Grateful,
K. Howard