Hello Friends,
Many musical occurrences have happened since we last updated the
website. Back in September of last year, I was privileged to be
a part of the Rex Foundation benefit concert, “ Comes
A Time ,” which, of course, was a tribute to Jerry
Garcia . It was an honor and a privilege to be on stage
again with my brothers, Bobby, Billy, and Mickey, along
with a plethora of astounding, participating musicians! (Go to www.dead.net for
details.) It was an amazing evening of great music, wonderful friends,
and a very special audience. I believe all would agree that the
music at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley was sterling, and the atmosphere
was of a quality that raised us all up! A fitting tribute to a
man, friend, and musician who influenced us in so many ways.
In November, another Rex Foundation benefit, the “Black Tie-Dye
Ball”, was held in New York City , with the Zen Tricksters holding
down the fort as “house band.” I had a great time singing with
them, as well as Mickey Hart, David Nelson, Michael Falzarano,
Tom Constanten, Rob Barraco, David MacKay, Wendy Lanter , and Greg
Anton. The New York Society for Ethical Culture provided
beautiful acoustics for this first Rex event in New York . Such
a good time was had by all, that we set out to release the show
on a 2-disc CD, entitled “For Rex: The Black Tie-Dye Ball,” with
all proceeds going to the Rex Foundation. The CD, on Heart
of Gold Records , will be available in a month or so by going
to www.rexfoundation.org .
(Check out the site and see what this innovative foundation is
all about.) As well, the CD may be purchased through the Donna
Jean department of the Grateful Dead Official Store, www.GDstore.com
I always love sitting in with my good friends, the Dark
Star Orchestra , and in December, found myself
in Washington D.C. at the “ 9:30 club” for yet another wonderful “Black
Tie-Dye Ball” concert for the Rex Foundation. As well, it was
a time to honor Scott Larned , The Orchestra's
beloved keyboardist who passed away last year.
As the Heart of Gold Band is on temporary
hiatus, the members are full steam ahead with individual musical
projects. I am enjoying a “full life” these days! The Zen
Tricksters and I hit it off so well both personally
and musically, that we couldn't help but join together in a musical
collaboration that we affectionately call Kettle Joe's
Psychedelic Swamp Revue . This new band incorporates
our original material as well as choice selections from my tenure
with The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and Keith & Donna. Along
with the Tricksters, who are Jeff Mattson, Klyph Black,
Tom Circosta, Joe Ciarvella , is Mookie Siegel, Wendy
Lanter , and myself . After rehearsing
the band in New York , we played our first two shows in Plains,
PA at River Street Jazz Café , and Mexicali
Blues in Teaneck , NJ . We're having big fun together, so
catch us when you can! Upcoming show dates are posted on this website
as well as www.zentricksters.com .
In March of this year, another unexpected pleasure was being asked
to be a part of the Zero reunion called “Chance
In A Million” at the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver .
They had not played together in six years, so it was an anticipated
event for the band as well as Zero fans. Zero's Greg
Anton and Steve Kimock were members
of the original Heart of Gold Band with Keith Godchaux
and myself back in 1980, and are dear, dear friends. Needless to
say, joined by two other long-time friends, Martin Fierro ,
and Pete Sears , it was profound enjoyment! New
friends, Judge Murphy , Arnie Green,
Liam Hanrahan , and the young and very talented John
Morgan Kimock , rounded out the line-up, and a special
time was had by all. I will join Zero for more shows
this summer that are to be announced. Stay tuned to www.zerolive.com and
this website for dates.
If that's not enough, I am an “honorary” band member in the “ Fiddleworms ,” a
Muscle Shoals-based band (also on Heart of Gold Records ),
gaining steam in the South. I love singing with these guys, and
whenever my schedule permits, I do! The band is singer/guitarist Russell
Mefford , guitarist/singer Rob Malone ,
drummer Scott Kennedy , bass player David
MacKay (my husband!), and Clint Bailey on
keys. Strong on original material, the band rocks the house. For
shows and more info, go to www.fiddleworms.com .
My son, Zion Rock Godchaux and his band, “ BoomBox ” have
been doing a lot of traveling in the past year, opening on occasions
for the Dark Star Orchestra , and once for the Steve
Kimock Band . They have played a couple of times at Nelson
Ledges Quarry Park in Ohio , and will be there again
this year for Gratefulfest . Check out their website www.thisisboombox.com for
show dates, their new CD, “Visions of Backbeat,” and a look at
this unique band's approach to music, also featuring Russ
Randolph and theatrical aerialist Kim Hagen .
My youngest son, Kinsman MacKay is hard at work
writing, producing, and engineering for his lively rap band, “ The
Deceptakons , ” who are close to releasing their first
CD and beginning to do live shows in the South.
Brian Godchaux was also part of “Comes A Time” in
Berkeley , playing fiddle with David Nelson and Sandy
Rothman in a beautiful acoustic set. Brian continues to
play with fellow bluegrass musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mark
Adler ( www.markadler.com )
continues to compose and score music for films (recently, “Marilyn
Hotchkiss' Ballroom & Dancing School ,” and “When Do We Eat?”),
and Joanie Diener remains a
top music editor for films (“The Shaggy Dog”). We look forward
to playing together again when everyone's schedule permits.
Well, folks, that's just about all the news for now, but more
is sure to be on the way! Feel free to email. Individual addresses
can be accessed under “band” on the home page.
Love, Peace, & Music for all,
Donna
Jean |
