Bill Bigelow takes us on a journey through the heart of the Bay Area's legendary music scene, where the melodies of the Grateful Dead once danced through iconic venues like the Carousel Ballroom and the Fillmore West. As we explore his stories, from the Beatles to Bob Dylan, we witness the origins of a community united by music. Bill's encounters with the Dead's intimate shows and his insights into their ever-evolving relationship with promoter Bill Graham offer a rare glimpse into the spirit of an era defined by transformative sounds and kinship.

The air of a Grateful Dead concert was electric with camaraderie and the unexpected, like the time Bob Weir handed out tuna sandwiches or a compassionate security guard went above and beyond. Our episode captures those moments, the surge of energy during a "Dark Star" transition into "St. Stephen," and pays homage to the irreplaceable Pigpen. These concerts weren't just about music—they were a space where memories and lifelong bonds were forged, where each song became a collective heartbeat shared by everyone in the room.

Venture with us into the crossroads of social justice and music education, where the Zinn Education Project www.zinnedproject.org meets the anti-apartheid anthem "Sun City." We remember the voices that sang for change, like Little Steven and Bruce Springsteen, and the blues artists elevated by Bonnie Raitt. To cap it off, we discover the hypnotic fusion of North African rhythms and rock through the artistry of Bombino, drawing parallels to Jimi Hendrix and celebrating the joy of unraveling new sounds that continue to reshape our musical world. Join us for an episode that's not just a nod to the past, but also an embrace of the future's endless possibilities in sound.

Rethinking Schools - rethinkingschools.org

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