The Other Brother

As A kid I remember a story about the biblical Prodigal Son. Essentially, there were two brothers. One was “good” and did what the parents said, the other was “bad” and ran off. When the Prodigal Son returns the family rejoices and they have a big dinner. The good son is like hey, you never did that for me and I was always good, and the dad says you are being selfish so shut up and be happy over your brother’s return.

I always felt sorry for the good brother.

You may think I'm veering off in another direction but wait for it...I love the Grateful Dead. But seeing them in concert was a roll of the dice. You always wondered if a concert would be good; Jerry Garcia was known for forgetting lyrics, and sometimes the band was just not as stellar as they could be.

So what do you say when a band is always, consistently, good every time you see them? A band that thinks about their crowd and adjusts for who is there and what sort of venue it is? Whose selections of songs is vast and varied? Whose members are all talented and skilled? Who are friendly and talks to everyone?

What you say is wow. These days when gas is expensive and ten bucks a pop to get in hurts more than it used to, it’s wonderful to know that your experience is always going to be good. Like the rest of us, sometimes band members may not feel it some nights and I’m sure they have problems just like the rest of us. But dang, Terry Lee and the Rockaboogie Band delivers every time.

Thanks guys, for a fabulous evening. Just like last time. And next time.