Summary of "Enjoying the Ride: Bay Area, Part 1"

Episode Release Date: April 10, 2025
Podcast: GOOD OL' GRATEFUL DEADCAST
Hosts: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno

Introduction to "Enjoying the Ride" Box Set

In this inaugural episode of a new series, hosts Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno delve into the extensive "Enjoying the Ride" box set, celebrating the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. This limited edition collection features 60 CDs with over 450 previously unreleased tracks from 20 iconic venues across the United States. The hosts highlight that 17 of these shows are presented in full, while the remaining three are curated from multiple performances to capture the essence of legendary stages like Fillmore West, Fillmore East, and Boston Music Hall.

Notable Quote:

"Enjoying the Ride is a limited edition 60 CD box set celebrating the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary with unreleased performances from 20 legendary venues across the country."
— Rich Mahan [02:30]

Focusing on the Bay Area: Frost Amphitheater

The discussion shifts to the Frost Amphitheater in Palo Alto, a cherished venue for both the band and Deadheads during the 1980s. Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux and co-founder Blair Jackson share their experiences and memories of performances at Frost.

Key Points:

• Historical Significance: Frost hosted afternoon shows in 1983, offering a unique vibe compared to other venues.
• Atmosphere: Described as a relaxed, picnic-like setting with excellent acoustics and a beautiful Stanford campus backdrop.
• Community Connection: The venue was seen as a family-friendly spot, making it ideal for Deadheads of all ages.

Notable Quotes:

"The Frost is not the [Madison Square Garden]. It's the picnic back home."
— Blair Jackson [10:24]

"There are palm trees and the golden architecture of these buildings and the nice stone and the warmth in the late afternoon. It's just idyllic."
— David Lemieux [17:49]

Early Days and the Warlocks

Connie Bonner Mosley and Sue Swanson reminisce about the Grateful Dead's origins as the Warlocks. They recount their experiences attending early shows, the transition from jug band music to rock and roll, and their roles as the band's first roadies.

Key Points:

• First Shows: The Warlocks' debut at Magoo's Pizza in May 1965, with Connie describing the band's evolution.
• Fan Involvement: Connie and Sue's pivotal roles in supporting the band, from roadies to co-founding the official fan club.
• Memorable Moments: Jerry Garcia's transformation on stage and the band's playful interactions during performances.

Notable Quotes:

"He would mimic Jagger's off the hook... he loved to have fun. That was definitely number one plan, is have fun."
— Connie Bonner Mosley [25:04]

"They were so deep. Jerry was so deep into bluegrass, and he was so good at it and, you know, really articulate at it. Rock and roll just, like, set him free."
— Connie Bonner Mosley [23:43]

Shoreline Amphitheater: A New Home

The conversation transitions to the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, built by Bill Graham to accommodate the growing Deadhead community. While initially met with skepticism due to issues like dust and parking fees, the venue eventually became a favorite spot for large-scale Dead performances.

Key Points:

• Design for Deadheads: Shoreline was crafted with Deadhead preferences in mind, including ample parking and spacious concessions.
• Challenges: Early shows faced problems like dust accumulation and high parking costs, leading to mixed initial receptions.
• Legacy: Despite early issues, Shoreline became a legendary venue for the Grateful Dead, hosting memorable performances that are now part of the "Enjoying the Ride" collection.

Notable Quotes:

"Bill Graham very famously designed Shoreline with Deadheads in mind."
— Blair Jackson [37:33]

"Shoreline became something of a mythical spot for Deadheads. So mythical that it's long been rumored to look like a steal your face logo from above, which it doesn't really."
— Jesse Jarno [40:43]

Winterland: The Grateful Dead's Iconic Venue

Winterland Ballroom holds a special place in Dead history, hosting numerous significant performances from the late '60s through the late '70s. Hosts and guests share stories about the venue's vibrant atmosphere, diverse crowds, and its eventual closure in 1978.

Key Points:

• Diverse Audience: Winterland attracted a wide array of attendees, from bikers and beatniks to hippies and early punks.
• Memorable Shows: Iconic performances, including those captured on the "Live Dead" album, highlighted the venue's importance.
• Closing Night: The final show on December 31, 1978, marked the end of an era, with heartfelt farewells from fans and the band alike.

Notable Quotes:

"The crowd was as much a part of the show as the band. Everyone was there... we rode the mirrored ball on glittering LSD and love power dance fused us magical and cleansing."
— Gilbert Baker [75:03]

"It is that classic Live Dead sound, just as the Grateful Dead were on the cusp of transitioning into the Working Man's Dead sound."
— Blair Jackson [60:46]

Gilbert Baker and the Creation of the Rainbow Flag

The episode also touches on the influence of Winterland beyond music, highlighting activist Gilbert Baker's creation of the Rainbow Flag during Pride festivities in 1978. Baker's experiences at Winterland, witnessing the diverse and vibrant community, inspired him to design a symbol of hope and liberation.

Key Points:

• Inspiration: Baker was influenced by the inclusive and expressive environment of Winterland, as well as the broader San Francisco community.
• Legacy: The Rainbow Flag became a lasting symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement, rooted in the artistic and cultural milieu of the Grateful Dead and Winterland.

Notable Quotes:

"We were all in a swirl of color and light."
— Gilbert Baker [75:03]

"All of that San Francisco ness, if you will, really is woven deeply into the Rainbow Flag for me forever."
— Gilbert Baker [76:48]

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, hosts invite listeners to explore more stories and historical insights in upcoming episodes of the "Enjoying the Ride" series. They emphasize the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead in shaping live music culture and the vibrant communities that continue to celebrate the band's rich history.

Closing Remarks:

"As part of the 60th anniversary celebration, 'Enjoying the Ride' offers an illuminating journey through the music and mythology that defined the Grateful Dead's live legacy."
— Rich Mahan [End]

Guests Acknowledged: Connie Bonner Mosley, Sue Swanson, Ron Rakow, Ned Lagin, Ron Petrowski, Tyler Roy Hart, Les Earnest, Doug Odie, Eric Schwartz, Blair Jackson, Michael Parish, Dominic Stefano, David Lemieux.

Special Thanks: David Ganz for audio contributions.

Produced By: Rich Mahan and Jesse Jarno for Rhino Entertainment.

This episode offers a nostalgic and comprehensive look into the Grateful Dead's deep connections with the Bay Area, highlighting pivotal venues, personal anecdotes from dedicated fans, and the broader cultural impacts that extend beyond music. Whether you're a long-time Deadhead or a curious newcomer, "Enjoying the Ride: Bay Area, Part 1" provides a rich tapestry of stories that celebrate the enduring legacy of one of rock's most influential bands.