Jerry Garcia's Birthday

Photo from mannythmovieguy.com

Today is Jerry Garcia's birthday.  If he were still living he would be 68 today.  Happy birthday Jerry!

Grateful Dead - Scarlett Begonias (mp3)
Jerry Garcia - Deal (mp3)

It's Sunday

I hope your weekend is going well.

Jerry Garcia Band - Forever Young (mp3)

Here is the Grateful Dead with Neil Young in 1991:

Under The Covers

Levon Helm has a new album out called it Electric Dirt. It is a solid follow-up to his critically acclaimed album Dirt Farmer that was released a couple of years ago. Electric Dirt starts off with a cover of the Grateful Dead's Tennessee Jed.

Levon Helm's life story is very interesting. He is originally from Arkansas and went onto to become the drummer/singer for The Band. In 1998, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and his famous singing voice went silent but he continued to play drums. He started inviting local musicians to his Woodstock, NY barn to perform with his band at 'Midnight Rambles'. As you can hear his voice has recovered and the 'Midnight Rambles' continue. How cool would it be to attend a one of these Midnight Rambles?

Levon Helm - Tennessee Jed

Grateful Dead - Tennessee Jed

4th of July Weekend

The boys and I hit the neighborhood parade this morning.  Not much of a parade but all the kids get to decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons, etc..  My youngest won a prize for the most patriotic hair.  He does have a slight advantage since he is a natural redhead.

Tomorrow is going to be an action packed 4th of July.  We are heading down to the Lakewood 4th of July parade to watch the parade at our friends' house.  My oldest son will be in the parade with his baseball team that won its third championship in a row.  Tomorrow night we are watching fireworks with friends.

It is going to be hot out there this weekend so make sure you have cod drinks handy.  Happy 4th of July!

Here is a mix for the 4th of July Weekend BBQ:

Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.

James Brown - Living in America

David Bowie - Young Americans

The Grateful Dead - U.S. Blues

John Mellencamp - R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.

Neil Diamond - America

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - American Girl

Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band

The Guess Who - American Woman

John Mellencamp - This Land Is Your Land

Here is a song to play with the fireworks grand finale.  You cannot beat Ray Charles rendition of America The Beautiful

Ray Charles - America The Beautiful