Vernon Downs the House

".. Oneida!
ONEIDA!
How come your feets're so big? .."

.. where are my rainpants?

waking up the whole neighborhood: "Who Took My Rainpants?!"

Game Day fellas!!!!
I can't sleep!!!!
Be on the lookout for the Philzone flag!!!

let your freak flag fly pholks!

The Dead - Vernon Downs, NY 6/29/03

Set 1:
Jam>
Jack Straw>
Night of 1000 Stars>
Down The Road Again>
Loser (Bob)>
*Big Boss Man (Joan)>
*Me & My Uncle>
*West La Fadeaway>
Scarlet Begonias

* w/Willie Nelson

The Dead - Vernon Downs, NY 6/29/03

Set 1:
Jam>
Jack Straw>
Night of 1000 Stars>
Down The Road Again>
Loser (Bob)>
*Big Boss Man (Joan)>
*Me & My Uncle>
*West La Fadeaway>
Scarlet Begonias

* w/Willie Nelson

Set 2:
Alligator>
Golden Road>
Estimated Prophet>
Samson & Delilah>
Drumz/Space>
Standing On The Moon (Bob)
The Wheel>
Mississippi 1/2 Step>
Uncle John's Band
Donor Rap
Sugaree>
Box Of Rain


thanks Fritz, Dewit

Where's the Dew?????

Thanks for the list Rob. That's a lot of "Sugaree's" lately - the ones I saw were really good, but I don't know if they need to play anything every third show. I'd also like to chime in and agree with a sentiment that I've read A LOT lately - could Rob B. sing a few tunes? Please?

LET ROB SING!

...has this been chanted yet at any shows? If not, it's about overdue...

Oh my lordy lordy, hey dunbar, finally got your estimated...how was the standing? BE WITH YOU!!and Willie 21 rooms but one will do...sheet yeah! no moe sit ins? Did they finally figure out that the JV team should sit in the beer tent while they play or did Skippy cry too much.

just back in at 4:30 am so i wont post full review now(gotta go to work in 3 hours) but tonight was fantastic, much more cohesive than last weekend. Set 2 was a monster. The sound was LOUD everywhere with pumped up Phil and Bobby way up in the mix. Powerful Standin'. The jam out of the wheel was full on sick and the best piece of music this tour (I have seen or heard every show) I severely recommend checking that jam out. Phil is just driving.more details and Full review in the am

>>Set 2 was a monster. The sound was LOUD everywhere with pumped up Phil and Bobby way up in the mix. Powerful Standin'. The jam out of the wheel was full on sick and the best piece of music this tour (I have seen or heard every show) I severely recommend checking that jam out.

Amen

jambands.com says willie was on loser and al schneir from moe. sat in on estimated>sampson. is this true or not??

I know its not cool to want or wish for stuff to happen, and I'm sure I'll be told not to have any opinion at all, but wouldn't it be great if willie sang some of these songs?

where are all the reviews?

SaWeeeeeeeet show! all smiles from me!
Ill have my whole tour so far(8 shows) in a review soon..just got home after 10 days!

Thought last night was the best these guys have sounded yet. Fun first set. Solid second set.
Best "Dead" related show I have seen in over 8 years!

First time poster...great to see something positive being said about the shows. Too much negativity on other forums.

Can't wait to give this show a second listen.
At Spac, Hartford, and Camden. Hands down, Vernon was the best so far.
my .02

Sounds like they are just getting better. Excellent news!

Hmmm, I had a bit of a different show experience. That was the 6th one I have seen this summer. I thought the 1st set absolutely sucked, except for Jack Straw and Scarlet. The jam in Loser was a disaster, Big Boss Man was a snoozefest and all in all I was disappointed.
The 2nd set was fantastic though, although I though 1/2 Step was a litle rough. Everything before that though absolutely smoked, and the jams in the Wheel and UJB were sick, sick, sick - shows where this band can go when they "click."
Left before the encores - saw a couple Sugarees earlier in the tour, and they sounded great, so I am sure last night was no exception.
I really love this band, but I haven't seen anyone else who thought the 1st set blew last night - was it just me? Interesting. I'll be looking for that 2nd set though!

brian,

maybe it was willie what rubbed you wrong ?

Vernon Downs was just NUTS- and the security/parking/logistics/toilets was just the best thing- I was about 50 feet from the stage dead center and felt right at home. How can anyone argue with that 2nd set- and ALLIGATOR??? However I would like to know who the person in the green dress during Estimated Prophet was; Bobby's daughter maybe???

That was Bobbies little angel. A true princess in the "Kingdom of the Grateful Dead!"

Yea, that was Bobby's daughter. She was out on stage during the first set at Bonnaroo wearing the same outfit. Very cool show yesterday. It felt like a mini one day festival. I made it in during Moe.'s last song and I thought they sounded really good. I wish I could have made their whole set. I was a little bummed about it actually cause it would have been my first time seeing Moe. I got to see all of Willie and the guy is great. I like his tunes but I wouldn't go out of my way to see him. I'm not a huge country fan so yesterday was probably my last time seeing him. His set was pretty mellow for the most part. Nice music to chill out to and maybe burn a couple while saving your energy for the Dead. This one lady was dancing like crazy during Willie's set. It was pretty funny and cool cause everybody was pretty laid back at this show and this lady was going nuts kicking her legs high in the air. I thought I was gonna get kicked at one point but she seemed like she kept herself under control. The Dead put on a great show yesterday and I thought they may have looked happier than I've seen them all tour, which is saying a lot because they've been beaming smiles all over the place since Bonnaroo. The show was really good and had some very high points, and the crowd was very cool. We were about 30-50 feet from the stage at various points of the show, and we had a great view of everybody. Highlights for me were Alligator, Golden Road, and Estimated. That Estimated was smoking hot and the peak during the jam was what you would like to hear during a smokin hot Estimated. Jimmy was soaring, and Al Schneir from Moe. added a lot to the sound of the song. He stayed out for Samson. Overall, a very good time at Vernon Downs and another solid show. Some great peaks and just a couple of rough edges. They will have it down by the time Red Rocks rolls around. This was my last show of an 8 show run for me. I caught Bonnaroo, took a break for the VA Beach and Merriweather shows, and caught every show from Saratoga through Vernon Downs. What an awesome experience. I got to meet a lot of cool people on the way and see the band hit their highs and lows(which were few and far between, and low is still pretty high by their standards). Unfortunately, I didn't get to meet any zoners, but I hope to see some of you in Colorado. I can't wait for Red Rocks. It will be a great time indeed. They are playing great, and just keep getting better with each passing show, and their chemistry keeps growing with each performance. Peace everyone, and enjoy the shows you will be catching this tour.

Best SHOW I've seen yet! (post Garcia) era. I am not much into giving reviews, Just loved the show!

**Disclaimer: I Enjoyed This Show, So If You're Looking For A Review Of How This Isn't PLQ (noshit?) or 1968 Dead, You Can Skip .....Thank You**

Yeeeehawww...Vernon was fun. Let me preface my review with another disclaimer that this was a hometown show for me, so my review may not be "objective". Second show of the tour for me, the Bonnaroo being the first. Second time @ the Downs for a show.... I love this place for a show. Thank You to the Band for bringing it to Vernon (CC?, We don't need no steeeeenkin CC). Onward....

Got to the lot @ ~2:00 pm, 'bout thirty minute wait to get in, just enough time to readjust myself to the rurality of it all. Full on Shakedown in effect, a few early attempts by security to grab the reigns in the lot (mostly just getting people back off the entrance roads so flow of traffic into lot continued. Beautiful afternoon with a cool, brisk rainfall that lasted a few minutes to wash the dust off and charge up the crowd.

Great seeing so many old friends in one spot for a show. Beautiful sunday afternoon in Upstate NY; sun shining, puffy clouds, and a nice calm breeze to keep everyone real cool like. Spent the afternoon hunkered on the shakedown leading into the venue, catching up and sharing the wine. Finally packed up around five and headed in to the venue.

Going through the turnstiles is like taking a step back in time. You can almost hear the echo of the track announcer, from some race won long ago, trickling out of the fabric of time as you round the corner of the grand stand. After some quick reference to my GPS system I was able to circumnavigate myself up to where a good crew of my peeps were settled in between in front of the boards and behind the first stack on the infield on Jimmy's side. It was 6 pm and Willie was on stage in the midst of his set. Caught Willie twice two summers ago when he played with P&F, and though his setlist material was quite similar to those performances, another very enjoyable performance. Willie really loves the fans and is very appreciative of their support. He just keeps on going down the road, adding to his already legendary history.

After Willie's set, I headed up to the Grandstand concessions to appropriate some bottles of water for my parched friends who were holding down the fort. Got to the concessions only to find that THEY HAD RUN OUT OF BOTTLED WATER!! People from the concession stands seemed to feel the urgency from the parched throngs of concert goers. They seemed to be stalling for a delivery in route, because they kept playing like "No worries, the stand right over there has bottled water for sale", even though I had just come from that stand and it didn't have any either. After about a half hour of no water, and DEAD 2003 about to come out for their show, I tried to gain access back out to the lot to grab some of the bottles I had in the car. Security told me no reentry. After explaining to them that they had a "slight" water problem, they deferred me to the local sheriffs. The authorities couldn't seem to help any more than security, telling me that it was the promoter's responsibility and they had porbably skipped town. HA HA, luckily I still retained my sense of humor. I could tell by their aloof response to my impending crisis, that the situation must be getting addressed. Sure enough when I made it back down to the infield concessions, the delivery had been made and people were stocking up on mass quantities of water. Situation resolved, bumps in the road like this are to be expected when fighting the CC machine and thet were only $2.

Made it back to my vantage point in time for the begining of the show. Sound was fantastic where I was, vastly different than last Fall or the Bonnaroo. For me both sets flowed smoothly. Joan was a "trip" as her stage presence has grown a bit since Bonnaroo. First set highlights were....the whole damn thing.

Jack Straw seemed to last for a half hour and the jam seemed to take some unfamiliar turns.

Joan sang 1,000 Stars next, while enjoyable to hear a different take on Phil's tune, I still prefer the real thing.

Further Down the Road was up next in the Mickey slot. Not overly familiar with this tune, but enjoyed the interesting arrangement and lyrics. It was executed with precision and vigor.

Next up was Bob and Joan's "gambler/outlaw" medley. It began with Loser which initially made me cringe for a moment. Some of Jerry's tunes I'm not used to hearing done from Bobby's perspective. After some quick mental reallignment, I was ready to enjoy Bobfest. "Last fair deal in the country" resonated in my soul as I looked around at the gorgeous surroundings and beautiful people, offering stark contrast to the endless string of CC sheds and urban landscapes that compose most of tour. Joan took up Big Boss Man next and added her special sex sauce to it. Again, very enjoyable if listened to with out preformed notions of how its "supposed" to sound. This tune made me laugh about my prior experience with the water police and the promoter who had "skipped town". Bob continued the theme with Me and My Uncle, which had me flying by the seat of my pants. The medley reached its conclusion with West LA Fadeaway. Again I had that initial reaction of uneasiness with Bob slingin the Jerry tunes, but was able to catch myself, relax, and enjoy. Jimmy really laid down some fresh hot licks on this tune, as he did all night.

The first set was closed out with a return trip to Terrapin with Scarlet Begonias as sky turned yellow and the sun went down. If you can't enjoy this tune, you're doing something wrong. Heart of Gold Band indeed!!!

Set break was spent rolling up a few smokes for second set and chatting with friends and neighbors. Lost track of time around this point and am not sure how long the break was, I didn't even notice that the band was packed and gone though.

To be continued....

continued...

Soon enough the crowd rose and the band was back on stage. A rowdy Alligator opened up the second half of the show. Joan did a great job with this tune, not overly pornographic, but saucy enough to get the tail waggin.

Next up was The Golden Road To Unlimited Devotion and rocked from start to finish. Along with Alligator, was a nice shout out to the roots of the music to start the second set.

Bob finally busted out Estimated Profit next. Al, the guitarist from Moe., came out on this this one and lent some nice tones to stretch the range of the jam. This allowed Jimmy to really be freed up to take it out there. Bobby's vocals were strong all night and he must have belted out about 42 "HEY"s on this Estimated, I seriously was getting nervous that he was going to hurt himself, but being the consummate professional that he is, he cut it off before any serious damage was done.

It being Sunday, pre-drums was finished out with a tune of spiritual derivation...Samson and Delilah. Hadn't heard this tune performed in a while, so it was an extra special treat.

The Drums portion of the show was fantastic. Billy and Mickey really showed a lot of enthusiasm and performed a solid drum run which appeared to be choreographed with the light show going on on the backdrop behind them. Very cool segment that really did a great job of showcasing the improvement in the sound from the other shows I have seen.

Space faded out into ballad time with Bobby doing Jerry again, this time it was Standing on the Moon. Not the most outstanding version ever ;). Bobby seemed to really slow down the delivery of the opening lyrics, then seemed to be trying make up time by flying through the ending and the chorus. Not smooth and I wasn't convinced with his delivery of "I'd rather be with YOU". Whatever...

The Wheel came rolling out next and was a nice rendition, except it seemed Bob got lost in the jam at one point and forgot where he was. Strange ending which had Joan trying to sex up the way she was singing the chorus. Don't get me wrong, I like it hot, but on The Wheel? C'mon baby ease up for a bit and let me smoke a cigarette.

Half Step came flowing out of the ending of the wheel. Was an interesting placement, but not the tightest version I've heard in recent times.

They decided to close the show with Uncle John's Band and was a nice choice to finish off a wonderfully relaxed summer day spent out in the countryside of Upstate NY....where the motto is don't tread on me.

The came back out for the encore after Phil addressed the crowd. YEA PHIL!!!

For the encore it was back to the Joan show, with her rendition of Sugaree. At this point I felt like the only thing left for her to do was get naked. I really thought she might, I mean why not? Needless to say Joan went for it with all she had, and it was a rockin' version (this wasn't your daddy's Bucket>Sugaree, but I digress).

Phil wasn't through yet and sent us home with a Box of Rain. Very tender reading by Sir Phil, "It's just a Box of Rain...", ain't that the truth.

Very enjoyable show for me as I am not able to get out to the shows as often as I would like. Rob and Jeff kept switching on and off for the different songs. Both sounded good, but there was a noticable increase in band intensity when Rob was out there, he's fucking awesome. I hope the only reason he's not singing is because Phil wants to keep him for the PLQ only.

Some may think at this stage in the game that Bob and Joan are driving the bus because on the surface that's what you see. However, Phil is a mighty, mighty man; and is most definately the man at the wheel. Looking forward to the Warfield shows in September and the positive new things that Phil, Jimmy, and Rob bring back from this tour.

Safe travels and good times to those still out on the road. See you all when the tour swings back through Darien.

Peace...koko

moe. started things off with a very tight tasty set. I was pleasently suprised by the amount of people who went in early to catch these guys. I guess the word is out! chilled during willy. Not to bad. The dead played a solid tight first set. loved the big boss man. Everyone dancing like crazy during scarlet. The sound was great. we were standing behind the rear speakers and it was very loud. the second set was the best set i,ve seen since 93.They were on fire the whole time alligator...golden road...estimated...samson...very tasty. the wheel had to be the suprise of the nite. killer jam at the end. nice double encore to send us home. great show. cool venue,nice change of pace from the cookie cutter ampitheaters. lots of room to groove. can't wait for darien!!!!!!

>>moe. started things off with a very tight tasty set. I was pleasently suprised by the amount of people who went in early to catch these guys. I guess the word is out!<<

Considering you have 2 New Hartford grads and 1 Whitesboro grad in the band...the word has always been out upstate. Hometown boys done good!

Koko...great review man! I'm speechless about the whole experience... all I can say is, it was the best post GD show I have yet to see.

moe. jammed for 75 minutes, very enjoyable.

Willie, wtf, why is he on tour with The Dead? Totally lame, imo. Should have given his time to moe.

The Dead, weak first set with Jack Straw and Scarlet, exceptions.

Pretty solid second set, highlighted by Estimated, Samson. I was dissapponted with drums coming out of Samson. It was good, but at this point, they could have blown the roof off, but they spaced us out.

The most enjoyable tunes are when they give Jimmy room to roam. Stellar moments, just not enough. This band has got great potential, as evidenced at various moments.

All in all, a great day/night with great friends and family.

all i can add is we had awsome time. well worth the 4 hour trip.all the bands were great.no disapointments. thank god the rain came and blew by quickly. the skies were full of shooting stars.closest think toa out door west coast show.reminded me of cal expo,lagoona seca,or orgean county fair. next year? hope so.

Ha yeah I too saw the crazy kicking lady and almost got whacked too. I saw her everywhere. She was havin a great time, so did I, great show.

Short rain delayed start of moe. longer than the length of the shower. No roof except stage, but soon we had breeze blow-dried.

Joan joined Willie's set for 2? of his songs.
Al S. did join DeadSet2 for more than one tune.

5 songs same as my last show, Hartford, yet different placement- Vernon had 1000 Stars and Scarlet in set1, with 1/2Step and Wheel not in set1, then Sugaree as Encore. Same state show Saratoga had ALL other songs. Vernon did not seem to include bob flubs (SPAC Ripple) and unlike priors went smoothly between songs especially set2. Unique guests again, most enjoyable show.

Jack Straw was ready to be heard by me, and I'd say ready for them to cut loose on as they did wind 'er up and then brought it around and home. We all sure feel good when that happens.

Night of 1000 seemed solid, but I don't "get" this song.

Down The Road Again was probably most musical twirly and more vocally inter twined than ever. How much can they do with this song? Well, they did it- a nice solid well played tune with all doing a little more than they thought they would. No this is not a St Stephen, but put your ear on this one and hear people playing Together and weaving voices.

My only Willie show, glad to see his set and a few with Bob + Phil too.

Scarlet was great! I had twice the fun as Hartford's Scarlet. Very happy way to end a set (or start one!).

Alligator waggin' tail works audience into wonderful dancing, Golden Road more of a rockin dancebeat and then turns into a free for all jam that did find it's way back right for a tight wrap up- and for set 2 we knew now They're OFF and running (racetrack joke?), when hints of estimated start to weave in... and don't worry oh they kept weavin'... (some songs ya just can't hear at PLQ shows). The slow point of the set, and I don't mean disappointment, was when things seemed to stop except percussion and Bob starts Samson words without guitars during the first verse (maybe they came in for the chorus).

I don't think they should play Standing On The Moon, and Wheel is weak (again) but then it did jam out and surprise... UJB jam has some rockin to end a set, yet I expected more before they left the stage. Instead we got a double encore, Rock It Sugaree (although they sing "shake it"); and a contrasting Box Of Rain, gladly without Warren's hard edge, more beautifully showcasing Phil's mellow.

So happy I drove 5 hours and did better than last weekend's uneveness and uneasiness.

I love General Admission!

Got in late, missed moe. Bummer, never seen them. Caught Willie set. First time I ever saw him. No complaints.

Smokin' Jack Straw opener! Great Scarlet and Big Boss Man. I love the harmonies Joan has brought the band. Bobby's flub and Willie's weak pickin' on Loser gives 1st set a B+.

2nd set a HOMERUN. From Alligator to Box of Rain, a perfect set. Jimmy was definitely the star of evening. The jam on Golden Road was sick! A++++

This show was high energy, and great sounding. It gave me the same vibes as the Foxboro-Buffalo shows in '90: positive vending, cool people, no hassle security, and most important, fantastic music. Oh yeah, it had the same traffic issues as Foxboro: 1 lane In and 1 lane Out (Yikes).

Can't wait for the recording of this show. I thought this show was better than SPAC. Sound put it over the top. Can't wait for Darien Lake!!!!!!!

This was an amazing show and a "real good time. I agree with most of the reviews ive been reading. The sound quality was phenominal!!! They also seem to be playing a lot tighter with each show and this night was nooo exception. You could especially hear phil real well and jimmy was also very prominent. Had beautiful weather as well. There were tons of people there, and all gen.admit in this huge infield...twas quite a party. Although why they only had 2 beerstands for that many people...kinda strange. Oh well.After driving for 7 hours I didnt actually get to the venue till 7:15. I wish id had more time to hang out and find all you zoners, he he. But nonetheless, I had a kick ass time thanks to some great weather, people, and a band thats really hitting a good stride. After listening to all the streams every night...it was quite a shock to hear the real thing. This band needs to be seen to be believed, from hear on out...i doubt that many will be dissappointed.
I have pics to post.....hopefully i can figure out how to do this. If it doesnt work this time...ill keep trying.

P.s Joan, yer one sexy thang!!!
\image

This was an amazing show and a "real good time. I agree with most of the reviews ive been reading. The sound quality was phenominal!!! They also seem to be playing a lot tighter with each show and this night was nooo exception. You could especially hear phil real well and jimmy was also very prominent. Had beautiful weather as well. There were tons of people there, and all gen.admit in this huge infield...twas quite a party. Although why they only had 2 beerstands for that many people...kinda strange. Oh well.After driving for 7 hours I didnt actually get to the venue till 7:15. I wish id had more time to hang out and find all you zoners, he he. But nonetheless, I had a kick ass time thanks to some great weather, people, and a band thats really hitting a good stride. After listening to all the streams every night...it was quite a shock to hear the real thing. This band needs to be seen to be believed, from hear on out...i doubt that many will be dissappointed.
I have pics to post.....hopefully i can figure out how to do this. If it doesnt work this time...ill keep trying.

P.s Joan, yer one sexy thang!!!

this shot here...haha. Just as i went to snap the pic, this girl cruises by and threw a hand up to try to get in the shot. I laughed to myself thinking that she couldent have got the hand in there cause i was holding the camera up pretty high, well....heres how it came out. Some of the best things happen this way. Haahah

another one!!

my camera took less than desireable night shots. but heres a glimpse. Ill have more to show/and tell soon. Need to fix some of the pics so you can see em better. Till l8tr....peas zoners.

-B

p.p.s. Great fuckin show!!!! Get the board!!

After last weeks 'sharky' incident @ PNC, I gave the boys another
shot Sunday upstate @ Vernon Downs. Here are Mickey's thought on PNC
3-D:

"Hot, hot, hot, and hotter. The heat is a big factor these two days.100 degrees I'm told. It's so humid that it is hard breathing. The lights glare down relentlessly and add to the heat of things. The first night (6/24) was our first off night. Things just didn't click as they had during our previous shows. This is the mystery of our music at work. One night it is a Swiss watch, then other nights we hit the wall and things don't go as well. Getting the sound dialed in
was rough this night, and it made playing together more difficult. We finally get up to speed on the second night (6/25)."

Now onto Vernon Downs:
Great show, yes, I said it. 2nd set was tight & had some serious jams. Highlights - Jack Straw opener (instantly one of the better versions I've heard), Scarlet - good energy to end 1st set. Some more funny Bobby-isms during Big Boss Man/Me & My Uncle. During Loser Bobby decided that he wanted to start the song over and Phil just
waved him off - instant classic. Most of 2nd set is hard to pick apart (all good), but for me - from Samson on the set was REALLY something (could have skipped the Wheel though, kinda played out). Double encore with a Box of Rain on top. Also, I might have finally become a Joan convert too, she really shined during Sugaree
sauntering all over the stage. Phil was ever dancing with her at one point ! I think I'm going to get the Soundboard. Things I didn't
like - the band had some goons come out before they got on stage and made all the tapers move behind the soundboard for a shitty sound.
WTF ?

vernon was better than last night at camden, 2nd night at camden was better than first night.
on and on it goes....every single show of this run is pretty much the same in that there is too much aimless noodling. There are some tight numbers, but few and far between. vernon was the best yet, no wait, milwaukee was best yet....as long as jimmy herring is playing, disjointed jams and few musical peaks is the norm. Whoever missed vernon, don't feel bad...from what I've heard so far it is no different than spac, philly, hartford, etc. I am not sure if the majority of people on this post ever saw the Dead with brent. Look at 6/22/88 and 6/23/88...now there is an improvement of musical quality. The only changes in quality refers to the venues with red rocks obviously taking that spot, but people here will say it was the best yet only because it is red rocks.

>>>>>Whoever missed vernon, don't feel bad...from what I've heard so far it is no different than spac, philly, hartford, etc. I am not sure if the majority of people on this post ever saw the Dead with brent


bent - I saw many shows (over 50) with Brent and while I'm not saying these shows hold up to teh best Brent-era shows I saw - you are misleading when you tell people these shows are nothing special-

THESE SHOWS ROCKED!!!! The essence of the grateful dead and the whole point of free-form psychedelic jam music was acheived with flying colors. Give me a break. Were you at Vernon- I was with my cohorts, we have been seeing the Dead since the Mid 80's and have all seen well over 100 shows. With us were older friends who have been seeing shows sinc ethe 70's. All agree the band is tight and smokin - not perfect - but WTF?

What are you talking about?? -

>>>>disjointed jams and few musical peaks is the norm

This is total B.S. I was also at some of these shows with other friends who are professional musicians and have played on the road with big name acts and not one of 'em had anything bu good reviews - yeah the usual jabs at the flubs and shit but generally - eveyone but you and a very few others seem to have a problem witht the bands quality - all I can say is either try listening harder, or just don't listen at all - your choice.

here's some photos I popped off, sorry for the less than stellar quality...

mmmm...tasty...

a few more...

and lastly...

benthoward you can go phish (please - or just go!). you may perhaps be right that most people posting here had never seen brent, as I suspect I was only one of a few at shows who has seen Pigpen. But as I typed above, Vernon set2 was played much more together than the SPAC and Hartford shows that I saw! I don't need reviews to tell me how I liked the music, I especially don't need your fishy guesswork and lame generalizations.

I saw 2 Phil shows at Red Rocks in 1999 and it is a magical place, giving the show goers a high before the first note is played, and then things usually really take off. So, duh, yes you can expect some rave reviews (but why are you still hanging out here if you can't take what is being written?)!

If you'd like a more serious discussion about aimless noodling vs. Garcia's masterful songwriting using chord groupings to build a song to a climax, or how his solo leads often offered the same sort of buildup and then pow (ie Tenn Jed), well I don't think this is the correct place for that discussion. And also, who can aurgue, so you could just expect people to rave and rave and rave, which I'm sure you'd love?

Vernon was the show. I'm so pumped that not only am I goin' to Darien (and was at SPAC), but I'm goin' to both Jones Beach shows ..................to complete the NY sweep. Bent howard, are you a crackhead or a nitrous freak? The rest of us will hang up and listen

nice photo shoot

http://www.wour.com/main.html

nice shots Brad...you managed to get a bit closer than i did. Still cant stop thinkin bout what a great time it was !!!!!

spyder,
the sad thing is that I am a Harvard graduate student and was seeing grateful dead shows while you were popping zits in the mirror. I can just see it...in the parking lot you are the scumbag cutting in front of guys in wheelchairs to get your dead fix. people like you ruined the gd experience. you catch that ny sweep, you LOSER, for your only rebuttal is to call me a crackhead. you are a loser and STUPID!

Bent,

hehehehehehehe! Nice! :-)

Vernon Downs was near-perfect.
The venue was like the old days, NO HASSLES, easy in and out, the vibe was exceptionally cool, no idiot security morons, no outa control cops, reasonably priced vending, great shakedown, exceptionally awesome neighbors to boogie and enjoy the show with, (barely) ample dancin space, great spot in front of sound board which offered BOTH views AND space. (amazingly enough), beautiful rural scenery and of course...the MUSIC was mind-bendingly spectacular. period. I could have died and went to heaven right then and there.

The overall EXPERIENCE renews my faith in the possibility of non cc venues making a comeback....(please???)

One (sad) glitch, never met back up w/Daydream, Desiree and friends. Daydream, it was an absolute pleasure to hang w/you, if only for a few (FUN) moment and I am STILL glad your horses missed you so. You are one-of-a-kynd.

Hello,

here is my late Vernon Downs review. I went to see Neil Young and Crazy Horse last night so I've still been away. Anyhoo

moe. played an enjoyable fun good set for the early risers. Rob's son ran out on stage and wouldn't leave foreshadowing the days events nicely. I like moe.
Willie Nelson and the Family band was a beautiful relaxed way to spend an afternoon. Classic after classic. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain had the best Willie Guitar of the day and I'd have to go with Always on my Mind as best vocal. Sweet. Willie is still winning.
Dead. Second time seeing this band after Great Woods. They came out and made strange noises here and there for about 5 mins before kicking into the opening jam. The Jam->Jack Straw was honestly a highlight of the night. The jam built and Jack Straw was given a full treatment. Hot! The band was noticebly more on and together from the get go when compared to a week earlier. Barraco on jerry's vocal lines for those who care. This segued into Night of a 1000 Stars. Ugh. I don't know about this tune. Its too Hall and Oates meets Starship for me. I don't like the song. It was played and performed well. Down the Road. Ditto. Mick Mick Mick. The playing up to this point was really well done but the last two tunes didn't sing to me. Willie came out and when they started Loser I was pumped. I wanted Willie to sing so badly. This tune would be great by him. Anyway Weir sings it and muffs it a bunch giving a complete lets start again in the middle of a verse. He waited an uncomfortable amount of time before coming back in with the "before you let my deal go down" line trying to hold back the drummers with his arms. This got spacey and Willie's bordertown on mars guitar lines were infrequent but perfectly placed. Not a great loser. Big Boss Man. Well the Joan Zone started rocking pretty hard but uhhh well. I like the nods to Pig that happen, I enjoy the humor in having the sex back in the Dead performances and having it be a woman instead of an ugly drunk biker but well ... give me something else. Willie left and Bobby broke out his acoustic for a slow lifeless Me and My Uncle. West LA Fadeaway came next. This was pretty good. Nice solos, the song suits Bobby's delivery and Phil and the Drummers laid into it where it was needed. Scarlet Begonias was high energy. Summertime fun. Knew without asking she was into the blues. The jam was nice and questing and the swung it back into the outro and comepletely couldn't figure out when to stop. Bob said something to the effect of "well we ended that one the exact way we ended every version" an illusion to the fact that pretty much every version post 76 segued into something. First set was better than Great Woods in my opinion but not by much. Jack Straw and Scarlet were nice.
Set 2 began with Alligator. Visions of 68 dancing in my head. This might have been the jam of the night. Phil and the Drummers were all there and Jimmy started to spiral out of (into) control near the end. Getting up and walking around. This segued into Golden Road. This was tighter musically than great woods and the jamming was better but Bob still had to run to Barraco and ask him for lyrics. The first Estimated of the tour came next. Very dark spacey version. Al of moe. came out. He played texture stuff and rhythm all the time. Would of been nice to hear him step up more. Pretty good estimated. a little forgotten. Bob's daughter couldn't be outdone by Rob Derhak's son during moe. so she came out in a weird fairy costume. This mood was perhaps a little too dark for a little kid on stage and as the jam took off I could see Bob get a little weirded out and then he soon asked his daughter to leave. Sunday Sampson my expected repeat was again real real good. Higher energy than GW. Ripping herring. Good drums. Mickey get strange. I tend to dislike the dead drummers until they are playing real out there shit and then I love them. Space was nice but the Great Woods meltdown was so much better. Standing on the Moon was well played but Weir didn't make me believe him. I enjoy the song though. Wheel was bad during the song good during the jam out. 1/2 Step sounded like Deal was coming or maybe trucking before starting. Good half step. The outro was great. UJB was almost exactly like Great Woods set opener. Well played, great jams and the order of lyrics screwed up. Bobby left the stage pissed, probably at himself. Then Phil said "Everyday, everyday, I have to remind myself how lucky I am to be alive from my organ donor." After Phil's rap Bobby comes out and says he wants to say something. Phil says "What'da got?" Bobby looks to the ground , thinks a second and he says "I just wanna say, I just wanna say and I mean this that I want you all to pray for world peace." Cracked me up and made me pray for world peace the only way that GD spirit could. The encore was a juicy JoanZone rendition of Sugaree which had its moments but was too sassy for me and I like Judy Tenutta. Box of Rain was a nice hearfelt mistake ridden edition that moved my soul. like it should. Thanks

thanx Douglas for the review! yes Jack Straw was so smokin it carried me to Scarlet, although different mid set songs would have raised our spirits more.

I forgot about Bob after the donor rap, maybe he wants to keep up with phil and we'll later see another "World Peace Rap" sometime??!? (but I hope not every night).

>>>>>>Whoever missed vernon, don't feel bad...from what I've heard so far

Have you been at any of these shows Bent?

Geez Dunbar you sound like a musician yourself, you should think about playing music at some point. I really enjoyed your review. A few comments however, first. The "Joan Zone"? did you really just coin that phrase, cause if you did you are brilliant,(or whom ever did). Second, what the hell is wrong with Hall & Oates? The woman IS wild Ohhhh! and lastly, Do you like moe.?Or do you really like moe.? oh yeah. how was that Neil Young Canadian rock opera?

Oh yeah, one more thing. BENT how about a clean diaper for yourself before you add a message next time, I think we would all appreciate it. Unless of course that other guy did ruin your GD experience..

Vernon downs was off the hook,I'm still recovering. That Is the show that changed my life forever. Prophet was off the hook, Thank you
Even drums and space were really in a groove, but opening the second set with Alligator. That was intense. May the music never stop!

Blurry,

I used to play the Beam but Mickey stole mine. Joan Zone was a term coined by Osbourne Fan Club president Marla Esbian in 1996 on the "One of Us" Tour. Nothing is wrong with Hall and Oates. I hear Bobby was trading mustache tips with Oates when they were in Philly during the Candem run. Phil got some new feathering techniques as well from Hall. I need a drink and a quick decision. moe. is okay alright. Umm dude Neil Young can do no wrong even when doing wrong. It was only a show Neil would do. Its not his best work but moved me just the same at points and entertained me through and through. The hard rocking encore blew the roof off the dump.

I thought Vernon was a great time. The Dead surpassed my expectations, especially the second set (although the SOTM was a bit flat). The only problem I saw was how poorly Magic City Productions was handling the setup for tapers.

>>>>>>Whoever missed vernon, don't feel bad...from what I've heard so far..... blah, blah..... Vernon was Killa! INCREDIBLE show. If you missed it I do feel bad. Hope you can get a copy when they start circulating.

Thank You Stu!

I thought Vernon was an excellent time. It reminded me of the great shows in Oxford, ME in July of 1988. A perfect atmosphere and great music!!!!

candace, thanks for letting the frat boy security grouop act out there fantasies on the tapers, having them move.
we were left of board and way out of the sightlines of the board to the stage, but satill got "forcably" moved to the back side of the board where we were informed we wouldnt be able to go in and out of this area, once youre in youre in, no re-entry.
the sound sucked as much as the music itself, sounded like a "were outta here to wherever" show to me, very inconsistent.
as for the venue, beautiful place in the fields of upstate n.y., with the only problem being the parking setup on the backstrech. got crammed into "the last" parking lot only to find that the other lots nearby were 1/2 full with more room than a tractor trailer to turn around in. try parking them a little tighter next trip guys.
got set up only to have some buffalo folks whoop it up to the new riders? sorry guys this is moe, not nrps and thats not jesus but willie nelson up there playin. one of them challenged me on this with some seriousness to his thoughts, but then quickly passed out at my feet only to arise later in willies set to proclaim that jesus and the dead should get together more often, no kiddin, all true.....need more beer? or duct tape for the lower cranium? 3 losers and a hot mid 40's wife dont make it right, but jimmy buffets comin your way soon isnt he?
ah well hopefully vernon will be on tours of the future as it also reminded me of oxford 88.........

Upon further listening to this show....

BOB ROCKS!!

He nails the Standing on the Moon, the recordings will live on in testament to that.

Freebie of a nice audience recording of this show for the next two to post and email me your snail mail address.

See ya on RD tour!

i'll take that #1 offer Johnny...thanks

Too late for # 2???

Saw the show and really loved it.
Would love a copy.

Thanks!

Weak Jack Straw, Horrible sound in that flat thing, Sugaree was enough to make you cry, Big Boss man Rocked, Thats alll I can remember for now