All the Concerts Fit to Print

The Grateful Dead party comes to Alpine Valley. I went on the first day of three. It took forever to get in - much longer than usual, which is saying something. On the other hand, getting out was easy - the one time that ever happened - since I was one of the few who weren't camping out there. I felt a little weird as I was leaving the place. Odd, as it was an open air show, and I don't recall feeling anything after their hazy arena show in April. I lucked out with this show, in that it was the only day of the three that didn't have rain (I was sitting in the lawn).

Outside the theater was a line of tents selling trinkets, crafts and food. People were camping everywhere. This was the year after In the Dark and "Touch of Grey" had garnered the band some mainstream success, so the audience was full of "Touchheads". As I had been listening for several years, I wasn't a Touchhead - but still a casual fan.

I had no idea at the time, but the deadheads gush about this show. I found a forum where they're all talking about how special the performance was. All three of these shows are apparently among their best ever, with the following night, when the rain started, the best of the three.

$17.50, lawn.

Let The Good Times Roll
Feel Like A Stranger
Built To Last
Me And My Uncle
Cumberland Blues
It's All Over Now
Row Jimmy
When I Paint My Masterpiece
When Push Comes To Shove
The Music Never Stopped

China Cat Sunflower
I Know You Rider
Playing In The Band
Uncle John's Band
Standing On The Moon
Drums
Space
The Wheel
Gimme Some Lovin'
Goin' Down The Road Feeling Bad
Not Fade Away

Encore
And We Bid You Good Night
Johnny B. Goode