SUNDAY DISPATCH, SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2011
And the Beat Goes On Ryan O'Malley
T
hirty-four years ago, the Grateful Dead made its debut at the Broome County Veterans Memorial arena in Binghamton, New York, in the midst of a scorching tour which could be viewed as one of the best in the band’s history. After two more stops at the venue, including its final visit in 1983, Binghamton was left without any more appearances by the jam veterans. Thankfully, a few decades later two of the Dead’s founding members, Bobby Weir and Phil Lesh, brought the music back to Binghamton with their new vehicle, Furthur, who delivered one of the hottest shows of its ongoing tour this past Tuesday. Coming on around 7:45, Furthur – Weir, Lesh, John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, Joe Russo, Sunshine Garcia Becker and Jeff Pehrson – opened the show with an unexpected “Passenger” from
Maria
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loving family and circle of friends. “Sitting on top of the world” was the way they described their lives. Months away from their sixteenth wedding anniversary the world tipped and they slid and tumbled to earth. He fell to the ground with a finality never to say goodbye or I love you. She fell into despair, anger, denial, and depression. In her sorrow and pain she cried out to Jesus, “You were my friend. Why did you make this happen?” She was inconsolable and turned away from Him always asking why? Healing from sorrow has no guidelines or timelines. Emotions vary and now the question was, “Why me?” A letter arrived from Ann stating that she would be home for Easter and had something to share with her. Marie had also arranged to be home. Arrival would be on Good Friday and could they please meet in church and attend the service as they did all those Good Fridays growing up.
1977’s “Terrapin Station” album. Although the crowd relished every moment of the under-played song, it wasn’t quite one of the openers Deadheads have become used to. Not to disappoint, the band ripped through a tight “The Music Never Stopped,” before breaking into a long-time crowd favorite, “Crazy Fingers.” Throughout most of the night, Weir and Lesh led the band brilliantly through runs of classics like “The Race is On,” and “Black-Throated Wind,” but the real enjoyment of the night came courtesy of the side-players. During the extended sing-along “Sugaree,” Chimenti’s piano solo after the second verse proved to be one of the evening’s highlights. To close out the first set, the band unleashed a furious version of “Bertha,” complete with some fiery guitar work from Kadlecik which had the crowd – and Weir Marie entered the church in reverence and with the peace she found at the crib of Jesus. She took a seat on the back pew where she gently placed the promised boxes. Anne came in thanksgiving and to tell her friends of the position she was taking at a Children’s Hospital caring for terminally ill boys and girls. Rose sat in the front of the church close to Jesus hanging on the cross. It was a familiar scene. It was one known since early childhood. In all those years her heart ached for Mary, His mother, imagining the pain she felt watching His agony. Looking into the face of Jesus she again asked, “Why me?” Staring at the crucified Christ and imagining the excruciating pain hanging nailed to those boards she sobbed ‘Why not me?’” The realization of His great sacrifice, the pain, and humiliation were heart wrenching. The obedience to His Father, courage of person and commitment to mankind was overwhelming. The three friends were reunited once again. Their journeys ending at the foot of the cross and beginning with the Resurrection.
Upon Furthur review – moving with every note. After a short break, the band broke into a funky five-minute jam before opening the second set with the New York staple “Truckin,” which featured some thumping rhythms from drummer Joe Russo, who is the youngest member of the band, but could be viewed as the unsung hero of the outfit. Segueing out of the ending jam, Weir and Kadlecik shared vocal duties on a pleasing “New Speedway Boogie,” followed by the Dead’s psychedelic tribute to their loyal fans, “Cosmic Charlie.” In a bit of a surprise, the band offered up a scorching version of “Something” by The Beatles, sung brilliantly by Kadlecik. While it’s not uncommon to hear Beatles material throughout the Dead world, the way this song entered the realm is unique. Beginning at tour kick-off in early March, Furthur performed the Fab Four’s “Abbey Road” in its entirety by delivering one track a
night in the order which it appeared on the album. For example, on the first night of the tour, the show kicked off with “Come Together.” On night two, the second song of the set was “Something,” and so on. Certainly a daring endeavor, but with the Dead’s philosophy of using music for exploration, it almost seems a perfect fit. The last half of the second set ended beautifully with a tight multi-song run through classics like an upbeat “Scarlet Begonias,” “Fire on the Mountain,” a touching “Standing on the Moon,” a swift “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” and a spoton version of “We Bid You Goodnight,” accented by Chimenti’s tranquil piano. Scrapping the planned encore of “Casey Jones,” the band opted to end with a blistering run through the Dead’s patriotic anthem “U.S. Blues.” For a band which has been together for less than two years, Furthur has grown into its own
Geraniums Continued from Page 14
Annual Geranium Sale to benefit our organization so that we
may continue to provide, advocacy, education and services to
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recipe. It is lower in sodium then traditional box recipes because is only uses the salt found natural in the cheese making process. Choose low sodium cheese to reduce it further. Serve with broccoli or spinach to balance out the meal. Macaroni and Cheese
1 cup uncooked macaroni 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 cup chopped onion Dash hot pepper sauce 1 cup skim milk 3/4 cup water 2 tablespoons margarine 1cup cubed or grated cheddar cheese Combine macaroni, flour, onion, and hot pepper sauce in a 1/1/2 or 2 quart casserole. Stir in milk and water; add margarine. Cook on high, uncovered, 3 minutes or until milk is steaming hot. Stir. Add up to 1/4 cup water if needed. Then cook on low 12 minutes or until macaroni is nearly done, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese. Set stand, covered, 3 to 5 minute to finish cooking the macaroni and to melt the cheese.
Phil Lesh playing with Furthur in Binghamton Tuesday night. PHOTO BY RYAN O’MALLEY
cohesive unit, capable of going any direction on any night. If Tuesday’s show is any indication, the one direction you know this band is going is up. help victims throughout Carbon, Luzerne, and Wyoming Counties. This spring, you can help us continue this important work by supporting our Geranium Sale. Geraniums cost just $3.50/ plant and can be ordered in either pink or red. Why geraniums, you may ask? We chose to sell this hardy flower as our annual fundraiser because, like the clients we serve, it is a survivor. Order forms are available for download at http://www.vrcnepa.org/pdfs/geraniumorderform.pdf. Individuals can also call 570823-0766 to place orders. All geraniums will be available for pickup/delivery during the first week of May – Just in time for Mother’s Day! We need your help this spring to make a difference. Consider ordering geraniums today! And, again thank you for your continued support! Sincerely, Gretchen Yeninas Chairperson, Geranium Sale Victims Resource Center