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2010 has been a year of big anniversaries: it’s been 15 years since Jerry Garcia graced the planet and ten years since Allen Woody’s ugly mug and gentle soul stood on a stage. Thankfully there are also some happy celebrations to be had, most importantly the birth of the greatest band that ever was, The Phil Lesh Quintet, featuring guitar giants Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring, walking Grateful Dead encyclopedia and fearless pianist Rob Barraco, master drummer John Molo and one of the great band leaders of the last decade (even aside from the Q), Phil Lesh; and it’s no mystery all three events are closely intertwined.

While Bob Weir spent the years directly after Jerry Garcia’s death on the road with Ratdog, doing his best to keep the spirit alive, Phil Lesh hosted only a small number of Phil and Friends gigs throughout the late 1990’s, and those stayed in the Bay Area, including those Norcal characters one might assume; there was good music, but the shows were very much a family affair, intimate and loose. Prairie Prince and Steve Kimock were regulars, as were members of the David Nelson Band, but the truly noteworthy three night stand that shifted the whole balance of the improv rock world was of course the legendary Phil and Phriends Warfield run featuring Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell.

This meeting of musical minds broke down any barriers, real or imagined, between the two camps that occupied opposite aesthetic ends of the field of live music masters. The old guard was forced to admit the prowess and power of the still underground (despite their massive following) gurus of glowstick wielding masses, and those very figureheads were finally free to admit the influence and their love of Grateful Dead music, something they had been avoiding for 15 years in order to the constant and sloppy moniker of the inheritors of the Grateful Dead’s ethos. “Everything I do to get the title, but when they use it on me, I’ll reject it,” Trey had so often sung, but now he sang Robert Hunter’s lyrics too.

READ ON for more of this week’s Stormy Mondays…

The Giving Tree Band @ Chicago – House of Blues – September 10

Progressive old-time, indie folk rockers The Giving Tree Band of Yorkville, IL rocked the souls of fans, friends and family at the House of Blues in Chicago on Friday, September 10. The consistently fabulous acoustic octet invited admirers to join them in celebration of the official release of their third studio album The Joke, The Threat & The Obvious.

For a local record release show turn out was most impressive; the bars were crowded and the main floor filled with dancers eager to get their twirl on. Less than a year ago the band could be spotted playing smaller clubs around Chicago including the Kinetic Playground and the Double Door. Stepping up to the ranks of a major venue, with a solid attendance, was quite impressive.

The Giving Tree Band played for about an hour and a half though it felt like 20 minutes. One by one the boys animatedly bounced around stage barefooted, warming the venue with every strum. They brought their latest release alive by melding eight instrumental and six vocal harmonies into one. Each string pluck and drum build resonated a perfect blend of Midwestern roots bound to a folksy twang. The Giving Tree Band charmed the audience with their positive energy, never ending thank yous and dulcet melodies. Together the boys sparked a flame in their fans for there was neither a still body nor frown during the duration of the set.

READ ON for more of Allison’s thoughts and photos of TGTB…

From our experience, there’s no lack of Phish enthusiasts who love poker including Card Player Magazine editor Jeff Shulman, the band’s drummer Jon Fishman and Tao of Poker author Paul

Pavement, along with a contest winner on guitar, visit Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night. You can also catch Pavement tonight on The Colbert Report. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel

When I went to LA, I got recommendations on where to go from friends, co-workers, chef’s I know, people they know…you get the idea. My chef friend who I was staying with said to me on my FIRST DAY in LA, before you leave on Sunday, make sure you go to Mashti Malone’s which is near the corner of La Brea and Sunset in West Hollywood. So on the day before I left, I went for a walk down Melrose Ave, starting at Fairfax and walking to La Brea, then made the left and took La Brea past Sunset eventually to 1525 North La Brea Avenue, home to Mashti Malone’s.

Inside is a very nondescript interior with the main focal points being all of the signs and information on the walls. You get the feeling real quick that these guys are passionate about what they do and have been doing it since 1980 (30 years!) at the same location.

Here is an excerpt from a 2006 LA Times review

Mashti Malone’s. For those expecting Iranian-Irish fusion, the only place you’ll get that is on the street sign. This is a classic ice cream store run by two Iranian brothers who took over a place called Bugsy Malone’s about 25 years ago and only changed half the sign. Whatever works — the ice cream sure does, and they’ll turn any flavor into a shake for you. You’ll find the traditional American flavors, but also some fabulous Middle Eastern infusions: saffron-rose water with pistachios is the most popular. Laced with floral notes and the terrific flavor and texture of the nuts, this makes a fabulous shake, though ginger-rose water and orange blossom are pretty fabulous too. Or try the pomegranate sorbet or “herbal snow,” a white, icy concoction made with basil seeds. 1525 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 874-0144, http://www.mashtimalone.com . Shakes, $4.82.

• F4tF in Los Angeles: Part 1, Part 2

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