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The Waterhole – Saranac Lake, New York
Contributing Writer – Garret K. Woodward [TheRFW.com/blog/Garret]
Contributing Photographer – Andrew Wyatt [TheRFW.com/blog/DirtySanta]
Thanks to grassojoe at YouTube for the video footage!!
March 20, 2010
www.MySpace.com/MelvinSealsAndJGB
Chilled bodies light shaky cigarettes. Mouths mumble in unison over the supposed arrival of spring tomorrow.
The Adirondacks are a cold and isolated place, especially during this time of year. But, with the right kind of music, and a shot of bourbon, souls can get rejuvenated quite easily in the desolate, yet unparalleled, beauty of the northern woods.
[continues after photos]
The temperature is in the mid-30s. Halfway finishing their tobacco fix, several musty characters meander back into The Waterhole- an infamous Upstate New York music venue equipped with rowdy locals and agreeable drinks prices.
And tonight, the raucous crowd shook their bones to the memorable and gracious sounds of jam-rock legends Melvin Seals & JGB (Jerry Garcia Band).
Dead family and friends alike reunite in Saranac Lake without ever making rendezvous plans beforehand. This is a common trait of the nomadic community. Whenever any form (or tribute group) of the Grateful Dead takes shape, an unspoken call for unity emerges.
Reminiscent of a “Batman” signal in the sky (but for them a skull and lightning bolt), the word spreads like wildfire. Troves head towards the sound of freedom and possibility- a tone solely unique to the late Garcia himself.
“I knew you’d be here, I fuckin’ knew it,” overzealous and hairy specimens of humanity shout as they embrace other comrades. “Let me buy you a drink! How have you been, brother?”
The scent of patchouli, pot, and Parliament Lights waft throughout the room.
The larger-than-life Seals sauntered onstage. Sitting down in front of the keyboard, a smile adorns his joyous face. It’s time to get the train rolling. He nods to his ensemble- Gloria Jones (Vocals), Jackie LaBranch (Vocals), Stu Allen (Guitar, Vocals), Marty Holland (bass), and Sam Howard (drums).
Soon, the sextet merged into one with the audience. The air becomes moist. Arms rise toward the ceiling. Sing-a-longs take over the space. The thunderous strokes of Seals dominate the ambiance. Guitar notes are sprinkled about the premises. The calming presence of Jones and LaBranch ease the spectacle- the duo double-teams harmonies, their choreographed movements slowly swaying to the jovial sight before them.
Jumping around from original numbers, to traditional melodies, and tunes cherished by Garcia, the timeframe of the sets blur.
All which remains is one moment. It is a moment where the listener and musician form a solid entity of sound, wonder, and inspiration. Midnight becomes the early morning. Eventually, it’s last call around 3 a.m.- the band packs up their gear and says goodbye to their beloved following.
The moment is all too fleeting. The blissful memory is all too scarce these days. The band is all too rare of a sight in an industry full of madness and confusion.
Our hearts, cradled by the music, are at ease- for now.
March 2010 |
|
| 25th (Thu) | Mexicali Live – Teaneck, NJ Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 26th (Fri) | Penn’s Peak Jim – Thorpe, PA Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 27th (Sat) | The Warehouse – Hartford, CT Melvin Seals & JGB |
April 2010 |
|
| 2nd (Fri) | Quixotes True Blue – Denver, CO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 3rd (Sat) | Quixotes True Blue – Denver, CO Melvin Seals & JGB |
May 2010 |
|
| 28th (Fri) | Schwagstock 43 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 29th (Sat) | Schwagstock 43 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 30th (Sun) | Desert Rocks Music Festival – Moab, UT Melvin Seals & JGB |
June 2010 |
|
| 4th (Fri) | Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol, CA Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 5th (Sat) | Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol, CA Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 6th (Sun) | Summer Music & Arts Festival – Benbow Lake, CA Melvin Seals & JGB |
July 2010 |
|
| 9th (Fri) | Salty Jam Festival – Saint John Waterfront – Saint John NB Canada, NB Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 23rd (Fri) | Schwagstock 44 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 24th (Sat) | Schwagstock 44 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
August 2010 |
|
| 7th (Sat) | Truckee Amphitheatre – Truckee, CA Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 8th (Sun) | Dead On The Creek Festival – Willits, CA Melvin Seals & JGB |
September 2010 |
|
| 17th (Fri) | Schwagstock 45 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 18th (Sat) | Schwagstock 45 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
October 2010 |
|
| 28th (Thu) | Spooksock 9 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
| 29th (Fri) | Spookstock 9 @ Camp Zoe – Salem, MO Melvin Seals & JGB |
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