Dr. Barry

HE WAS A FRIEND OF MINE Ever since hearing the terrible news I can't get it out of my head. Now seeing pictures of Aaron posted online and his obituary just bring it all home with even greater impact. We're left here empty handed and empty hearted wondering "why?", what could I have done?, what could anyone have done?... Lots of questions, no good answers. A long time ago Aaron told me the story of how he got the nickname "Rude" and how he didn't feel it really suited him anymore and to me he was "Aaron" ever since. I can't remember where we met or when but it was a long time ago and we became friends right away. Maybe we were friends through the Forums first (most likely), where he lovingly spent so much of his time, becoming a larger than life figure on the scene with his sharp wit and friendly approach to everyone. But he would have remembered where and how we met. He had a sharp memory in addition to his wit and an encyclopedic knowledge of the Grateful Dead and DSO. Aaron had a "way" about him. He was a totally unique character and he was certainly a "character" in every good sense of the word. He would spark debate about anything with opinions about everything. He would smile all the while knowing that he was really just acting out a charade and spoofing all of us on the state of things. You could count on him too. If he promised, he delivered. But if you engaged with him on a topic you really had to be ready to follow it way down (or up) because Aaron had the tenacity and cleverness to be the devils advocate to the devils advocate. And he was really smart, as anyone naive enough to try and "win" a debate with him quickly found out. How can we find any peace or closure when the most unthinkable happens? How do I reconcile the little videos he would send me of his son Jonathon dancing or playing while Aaron clearly was a very proud dad? How can we get back to the good memories that anyone who called Aaron a friend has many of? How? No good answers. All I can think of is to try and remember to look out for each other. We are members of the same strange club, fraught with too much intellect, too much adventure, and too much risk when we let things get out of hand. Make a pact with one person that you will call them if you ever get to that point. Swear you will make that call. For me I've realized over my life that no matter how bad and hopeless things seem at any moment that they don't seem as bad 24 hours later. Maybe still bad, but not THAT bad. So that is a promise I made to myself, if needed shut the lights, close the curtains, roll up into a ball but just wait 24 hours and let yourself create a floor above the abyss. And there is always the 24 hour suicide hotline available by call or texting 988. Aaron, you loved many and you were loved by many. You were a good friend. You were a brother on the DSO scene that will never be replaced. I wish you the peace you needed, but wish you were still around for the world to share while we all stand around looking for answers that don't really exist. Love you brother.

https://www.jambase.com/article/grateful-sunshine-dark-star-orchestra-presents-jam-sand-vi-photos-videos-setlists Watch the White Rabbit video. I can’t say enough about this JITS. Each night was great and special with the weather creating special shows like the second night acoustic, third night single long set in the pouring rain, with an extra special Good Love. But night 4 was incredible. I refrain from saying “best ever” but certainly top 2 or 3 for me. Right now my number 1. Jack and Jorma joining the band took it way over the top. I was so happy and proud in a funny way to see DSO knock White Rabbit out of the park with these rock super heroes on stage with them. Perfect. And Tonya is the real thing with the sweetest voice with Lisa on I’ll Be With Thee. Start saving for next year. JITS is a slice of DSO heaven. Dr. B😎

Me too. Very special treat. Night 4 was huge.

But what about the Ugandan ex child fighter who found the cure for cancer but now manages a McDonald’s to feed his starving kids while his daughter cries at his bedside knowing he’s dying of the same cancer that he cured for others? At the same time he likes to set fires in shamanic rituals for Vic to put out. In Uganda he only saw reruns of the Brady Bunch. Bobby was his image of god. He dances to the theme song. But he has never heard of DSO. Dr. Barry

DSO drums/space... whether in a a recreation or elective I like it. Especially “drums”. I find it quite different from Grateful Dead drums and space. From my perspective Grateful Dead drums were born out of songs with drum solos. Space was born out of songs with spacey interludes like dark star or “feedback”. They both became a vehicle for the band to take a break in the second set (deserved) but rather than keeping to a theme or feeling they became entities in their own right and apart from the flow of what came before and after. And for me (and many) a chance to take a break, or flip the cassette. DSO drums always impresses. I always hear a song and a collaboration between Dino and Koritz. It never feels like an excuse to give the others a break. It feels like a chance for them to shine and leave it all out there on the dance floor. I often shake my head during drums amazed at what I am hearing. Single drummer drums are really amazing. And I’ve said it before, you can always tell a “real” female Deadhead because she loves to dance to drums. My observation. The DSO space feels shorter than the Grateful Dead space. I never actually compared the timings. It also feels integrated into the show. It somehow flows from and to while still being space. Shorter and in a context. That makes it part of the show and not just time to take a break. And better... As as they say, Praise DSO Dr. Barry😎

I didn’t say inside... although there were very cold spots and areas too hot inside too. Temperature regulation was important. But outside was inhumanely cold.

Did anyone mention “cold”? Freezing? Frigid? Inhumane? Arctic?

Corrina and Cosmic Charlie back to back in the same set is the essence of what an elective show is all about. The horse has been beaten to death on this subject, but give me an elective any day... Unless it is any April 1971 recreation. Or for that matter any recreation from 1969 (or ‘68 since that cat is now out of the bag). But an elective of that era, so called “old skool” is equally appreciated. Actually just give me anything. Dr. B✌️

Last year we found a little place called Lee How Fooks. We got us all a plate of beef chow mein. 219 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

I was at the New Years run when Etta James and the Tower of Power were there! Set 3 is something I will never forget. There was a feeling that Lovelight could happen. I wasn’t at the Melkweg but of course everyone knew Bob did it recently. The audience reaction when bob stepped up to the microphone and started singing was like a dream come true. Stuff we all dreamed about and never really thought we would hear. Bob seemed so happy. Jerry seemed proud. It felt like a recognition that the mourning period for Pigpen was being lifted. It was a very big moment. And outside the Cosmic Charlie Campaign was in full swing. If anyone doesn’t know what that was read about it. Those were really fun days. We had no idea how great we had it. So glad I was there. Conversely before I ever saw the Grateful Dead but still a young Deadhead my older cousin offered me a ticket for Radio City. I declined, being a sophomore in high school and hard to swing it etc. I didn’t see my first show until the following year. Perspective... Dr. B 👍

There are very few performers that I want to see play on stage with DSO. For me it dilutes what I love. I am hoping that any of the acts for the New Years run play an opening set only, but I would guess that maybe a song or two during the DSO show or as part of any filler might happen. And selfishly even just an opening act I could do without as I wonder if it could cut into DSO’s time before any curfew. But, that’s just my opinion. And admittedly selfish. And for what it’s worth coming from someone who has skipped almost every act at each Jubilee and Gratefulfest attended not somehow related to DSO with a member of the band as part of it. I’m just DSO to the core. Dr. B✌️

I think you’re “ok”. 😎

8th review down even better! Dr. B😎