Last month the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) opened up an important exhibition to celebrate the legacy of rock impresario Bill Graham (1993–1991) and the talent he fostered, especially the Grateful Dead. I ran photos in Metro Philly, and another column will run in the print issue of Philly Mag, but i wanted to tell you about some of the programing that will be presented in conjunction with this exhibit. Plus the exhibit is AMAZING, go see it!!
The Ardmore Music Hall (AMH) and the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) have come together to celebrate the legacy of rock impresario Bill Graham (1993–1991) and the talent he fostered, especially the Grateful Dead. In conjunction with NMAJH’s current exhibition, Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution, AMH will present an afternoon “sneak peek” series at NMAJH featuring artists scheduled to perform at AMH’s venue in the evenings. The two events in the series will take place on Thursday, October 27 and Friday, November 11 at 2 pm.
Recognized as one of the most influential concert promoters in history, Bill Graham played a pivotal role in the careers of iconic artists including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. After escaping Nazi Germany and immigrating to the United States as a 10-year-old, Graham found himself at the right place and the right time during rock & roll’s most transformative years. His ingenuity and passion propelled his message of the rock & roll movement from coast to coast. In the ’60s he took over the lease on San Francisco’s famed Fillmore Auditorium, where he produced groundbreaking shows throughout the decade—including sold-out concerts by the Grateful Dead, Cream, Big Brother & the Holding Company, and the Doors, before going on to present pivotal shows by Jimi Hendrix; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Bob Dylan; and The Band at his venues in San Francisco and New York City.
On Thursday, October 27 at 2 pm, NMAJH will host the first event in the afternoon sneak peek series. Titled “Growing Up Grateful Dead,” the program will feature Grahame Lesh, the son of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Grahame will perform a short acoustic set and share stories of growing up around the band and how Bill Graham impacted his life. Tickets for the afternoon program can be found here ($10 or free for NMAJH and AMH members). Later that evening, Grahame will perform with country-rock band Midnight North at AMH, also featuring the John Kadlecik Band. Kadlecik, often referred to as “John K,” is best known for being a guitar-slinging side to Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in the band Furthur, as well as being a co-founder of the group Dark Star Orchestra. Tickets for this show can be found here
NMAJH will host the second event of the afternoon sneak peek series on Friday, November 11 at 2 pm, titled “All Access: Working with the Grateful Dead.” It will feature the longtime publicist for the Grateful Dead, Dennis McNally, and his wife, Susana Millman, photographer for the Grateful Dead. McNally and Millman will tell stories from onstage, offstage, and backstage with the Dead from 1984 to 1995. Tickets for the November 11th program can be purchased here ($10 or free for NMAJH and AMH members).
Later that evening, McNally and Millman will participate in a fan Q&A at AMH to celebrate Millman’s book release of Alive with The Dead: A Fly on the Wall with a Camera. Audience members will be able to purchase this 256-page large format coffee table book that features exclusive photos from the Dead’s best years. Box Of Rain (’68-’74 Dead tribute) will perform alongside beloved Main Line-based Neil Young tribute band Broken Arrow that night as well. Tickets for this special evening can be found here.
AMH and NMAJH are thrilled to collaborate on the afternoon sneak peek series tied to the Bill Graham exhibition.
Through his success with The Fillmore and his ability to recognize key up and coming talent, Graham created the blueprint for future concert promoters and venue managers. “I’m honored to play some small part in the continuing legacy of Bill Graham. Ardmore Music Hall is the headquarters for ‘Deadheads’ in the Philly area, and working with folks like Grahame Lesh and Dennis McNally, Bill Kreutzmann and John Kadlecik and Melvin Seals, gives a small glimpse into the life of a legendary figure who helped shape the concert industry,” says Chris Perella, Co-owner and Talent Buyer at AMH. “I probably wouldn’t have a career if it weren’t for Bill Graham, and the opportunity to partner with NMAJH to pay homage and connect these dots is very exciting.”
TONIGHT
Dreamers and Doers: Larry Magid
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
6 – 7 pm Meet-and-greet reception*
7 – 8 pm Program
His career began on the street corners of West Philadelphia and summers down the shore, grew into Live Aid, Live 8, and iconic venues – the Spectrum, Tower Theater, TLA, Bijou Café, and the world famous Electric Factory – and is still going strong today, complete with a host of Broadway producing credits that include a Tony Award for Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays.
In an onstage conversation with WHYY Arts and Culture reporter Peter Crimmins, Larry will talk about working with an incredible roster of artists and musicians from Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen to Bette Midler and David Bowie, and offer an introspective look at the intersections of Jewish identity, rock and roll, and show business in his own life, and how growing up as second generation American instilled in him the drive and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue his passion and leave his mark on concert and theater history.
First up starting on Thursday is
