Grateful Guitars 8/13/24 Benefit: Backstage with Dennis McNally, David Hidalgo, Sam Grisman, Steve Berlin, Jill Simmons and Bella Rayne + Jack Barton and Alex Jordan

Tales from the Green Room

Link to Tales From The Green Room Episode 27 Photography Gallery

In this episode of Tales From The Green Room, Mount Tam Media takes listeners backstage at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco during the Grateful Guitars Foundation Second Annual Benefit. Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally shares some of his experiences with Jerry Garcia and his storied history with the band; David Hidalgo (Los Lobos) also reflects on his personal relationship and poignant moments with Garcia; Samson Grisman (Sam Grisman Project) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), interviewed together, engage in an entertaining conversation between two artists a generation apart, expressing their mutual respect for the other’s era; Jill Simmons (Brown Eyed Women) tells of her journey from the East Coast leading to an appearance on this bill; and rising superstar, 17-year-old Bella Rayne delves into her ascent to notoriety in the jam band scene. Artist manager and music industry vet, Jack Barton also shares his insights; and singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and multi-talented Alex Jordan makes a cameo while serving as music director for the show.

The conversations in this “jam”-packed episode, recorded in the heart of the Great American Music Hall Green Room during the all-star benefit, revolve around the guests' experiences with Andy Logan's Grateful Guitars Foundation, sharing personal stories, musical journeys, and the magic of playing iconic instruments like Jerry Garcia's Alligator guitar. Tune in to hear spontaneous stories and deep reflections on their musical paths and the vibrant music scene.

Quotes From The Episode

He looked like he had just fired down six fat ones…and he doesn't smoke…and his eyes were spinning. - Dennis McNally describing David Hidalgo after playing Jerry Garcia’s Alligator guitar.

The instrument's a living thing. It has a life of its own. It shouldn't be kept behind glass. It should be out in front of people. With that emotion passing through.- Jack Barton

The biggest bummer about it these days is just how everybody's got a super computer in their pocket, and everybody's addicted to the shit, and unless you engage with social media, people don't know that you're active. - Sam Grisman

I never imagined myself becoming a guitarist ever. I never had big aspirations to be a musician or play guitar at all. But I started playing during the pandemic. - Bella Rayne

Honestly, I was thrilled to play with all of these musicians, but I have a special place in my heart for the guys from Los Lobos. Yeah. I mean, holy cow. What a thrill. - Jill Simmons

From the beginning, I'm grateful. That we've been able to do what we've wanted to do all these years. And for it to come around to where it's at now. And the friends that we've made along the way. That's why we're here today. - David Hidalgo

Music Links

Bertha * Deadicated * Los Lobos

David Hidalgo with Los Lobos Playing Jerry Garcia's Alligator at the Fillmore 11/16/23

Brown Eyed Women - Thunderbird Music Hall - 9/25/22 - Set 2

Catfish John

Jerry Garcia Band - "Mission In The Rain" - Electric On The Eel (June 10th, 1989)

Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 1970 (with lyrics)

Links to Websites

https://www.dennismcnally.com/

https://www.loslobos.org/site/

https://www.samgrismanproject.net/

https://browneyedwomen.com/

https://www.bellaraynerocks.com/

https://www.jackbartonentertainment.com/

https://www.alexjordanjams.com/