gig grab bag: grateful dead – jack straw

Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter might be my favorite songwriter after Bob Dylan. The beauty in his lyrics has always resonated with me – especially on masterpieces like “Box of Rain” and “So Many Roads.”  Reading Hunter’s recent interview with Rolling Stone inspired me to share one of my favorite Grateful Dead videos. This performance of “Jack Straw” comes from the 1972 concert in Veneta, Oregon that went on to become the Sunshine Daydream film. The concert was a benefit to raise money for the Springfield Creamery, run by Ken Kesey’s family. Part of my fondness for this footage is that it takes place in my home state, only miles outside of Eugene – that sweet, glorious little city of my alma mater. My other favorite thing about this video is obviously the opening moments captured between the dog and the baby in the tire… a pairing of words I truly never thought I’d write on this website. See for yourself but I’m pretty sure it takes ‘heartwarming’ to a whole new level. So here is the Grateful Dead performing “Jack Straw” and if you haven’t yet seen the Sunshine Daydream film from this concert I highly recommend it.