Our return to the Greek Theatre on July 31 and August 1 was a celebration of many things. Throughout Grateful Dead’s storied history, their shows at the Greek were highly anticipated, and this was no exception. Dark Star Orchestra delivered two magnificent shows that showcased their love and mastery of the Dead’s musical canon. Beyond the music, they have also long supported Rex and our mission to encourage positive social change. We are deeply grateful for their friendship and support. I also want to thank Melvin Seals and JGB, along with Peter Rowan and the Sam Grisman Project, for making the time to share their two distinctive sets of musical offerings we all enjoyed so much.
Night One was a tribute to Bob Weir. Bob was not only supremely dedicated to his craft and to ensuring the musical legacy he and his bandmates created would thrive well into the future; he was also an equally ardent champion of Rex and of the belief that when we all work together, we can and will improve the world around us. Our aim is to continue his vision.
Night Two fell on what would have been Jerry’s 84th birthday, and magic was in the air, as 53 years earlier the Grateful Dead had played their first show on Jerry’s birthday. It was time for DSO to pull Roosevelt Stadium, August 1, 1973, off the shelf and take it for a spin! From the moment they hit the stage, it was clear this show was going to be special. No better validation of how great DSO sounded could be found than seeing Dan Healy (who had mixed the band in 1973 through the Wall of Sound at Roosevelt Stadium) grinning from ear to ear as he stood next to Cotter Michaels, who handled the mix for DSO Saturday night. It was high praise and a special night indeed!
Rex Foundation was born from the band’s desire to give back, and it has endured for over forty years thanks to support from a wide array of musicians and fans who understand that giving back is as joyous and meaningful as the music itself. Community building is a major focus for Rex. Almost every grant we make, whether it is to protect the environment, support creative expression in the arts, support indigenous cultures, or simply provide for people less fortunate than ourselves, can be traced to our desire to strengthen community.
The Rex Foundation is one of the greatest examples of the power of community, due in large part to our vast network of Dead Heads, which has never stopped supporting our work. Together, we have made lasting social change a reality through grants to more than 1,400 organizations!
The success of our weekend at the Greek is also due to many people who lent a hand in making the weekend special:
Another Planet Entertainment: Sherry Wasserman, Gregg Perloff, Eric Barleen, Amanda Van West, Dimitri Anthes, Lei Lei Mahoney, Judy Heyman and the entire staff of the Greek Theatre
Dark Star Orchestra: Jeff Matson, Rob Eaton, Rob Baracco, Skip Vangelas, Rob Koritz, Dino English, Lisa Mackey, with special guests Mark Karan, Dave Ellis, Jay Lane, Barry Sless and Rex Foundation Board member Matt Butler
Dark Star Crew: David Quinn, Cotter Michaels, David Tash, Jeremiah Castillo, Matt Greer
Melvin Seals and JGB: Melvin Seals, John Kadlecik, John Paul McLean, Jeremy Hoenig, and the Jazz Mafia Horns
Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman Project: Peter Rowan, Sam Grisman, Dominick Leslie, Victor Furtado, Logan Ledger, Vicki Randle, Chad Manning
Special Thanks to:
Tim Walther, Hank Sacks, Michael Weinstein, Matt Busch, Joshua Knight
Thank you all, and we can’t wait to get to work to do it again!!
With Love,
Cameron Sears, Rex Foundation
