Join us on a sonic journey as Tommy Kennedy takes us from the electric buzz of a Bob Dylan fandom to the psychedelic swirl of becoming a Grateful Dead convert. The episode kicks off with Tommy's rich storytelling, painting the scene of his first Grateful Dead concert where the air was thick with excitement and faces were adorned with vibrant paints. His tales extend beyond the music, revealing the tapestry of experiences that hooked him into the Dead's unique culture, and how one album, "Wake of the Flood," served as the catalyst for this transformation. We navigate through Tommy's recollections of the contrast between East and West Coast Dead shows, the ingenuity of sneaking an ice chest into venues, and the community spirit that saw him through an incredible 187 concerts.

As the conversation unfurls, we find ourselves reflecting on the broader picture of music appreciation, evoking memories of a time when ticket prices were a fraction of today's costs and each venue had its own distinct atmosphere. We share laughs over a Bobby Vinton concert and wax nostalgic about the Grateful Dead's dual drummers and the shift in their performance sound.

The episode culminates with a heart-to-heart about I Hike for Mental Health www.hikeformentalhealth.org, a nonprofit co-founded by Tommy after a chance encounter that married his love for hiking with a cause close to his heart. We examine how hitting the trails can be a balm for the mind and the critical importance of mental health research and trail preservation, efforts that Tommy's organization champions. A touching tribute to Brent, the "new guy" who left an everlasting imprint on the Grateful Dead, rounds out our discussion. His legacy, like the music of the Dead, continues to resonate with fans old and new, a testament to the enduring power of community and song.

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