Grateful Dead

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I had hitch hiked from LA for these shows. My car broke down in Yucaipa and I got a lift from a couple guys from Santa Barbara. I was able to get my car towed off the freeway,into a yard and still make the shows. Someone was looking out for me this weekend!! I recall standing at the back of the venue during Around and Around and hearing "never stopped dancing till the sun went down" I turned around and the most beautiful sunset was taking place. A most spirtual moment...

I was a member of the local stage crew and have this fond memory from the set up day (the day before the 2-day run of shows) Late in the afternoon of Dec. 7th, i happened to walk by a gentleman sitting on a small set of stairs leading to one of the backstage dressing rooms/trailers. He was reading a book and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the sunshine on his face. A first glance, then a second. This guy looks familiar...It can't be, IT IS!! Bill Graham!!! What do i say? "Thanks for bringing the circus to town" was all i could put together. "You're welcome" came the response followed by a "incredibly beautiful weather you have here". Feeling like the Chamber of Commerce i said "Feel free to come back anytime, but DO remember the fantastic weather THIS time of year." He smiled, acknowledged and returned to his book. That was the first and last time i ever saw Bill Graham in person. I will miss him and his legacy.

Of course the show was fantastic...but when I think back about that day......One of my favorite memories of this event was as we were leaving. There were some security goons trying to get a very happy man to stop dancing, but the dancing guy was naked and the macho security goons were afraid to touch a naked man. I still smile when I remember them hovering at a distance with blankets, unable to get him to stop. He paid them no mind and he just kept dancing....the music had long since ended. <*>There is not better music than the music of the Grateful Dead!

First Dead show...huge Dylan fan so the 2 dylan songs got me good..The Desolation Row was key ...I remmeber the Drums>Watchtower>Black Peter.. I started keeping set lists and collecting tapes cuz of this show...

I remember the Naked Man also !!!

I remember the Naked Man also !!!

I remember a naked guy too, but I saw him in the lot, and it was just a kid who had his face in his hand, looked like he had lost his clothes somewhere and then regretted the decision. I watched him for a minute and I remember in a moment of… Whatever… He dry humped the back of a girl’s head for a split second, Then realized what he was doing and put his head in his hands again and walked off into the crowd.