If the Grateful Dead is your religion, then the Crazy Horse is your church when Third Thursday rolls around. Every month Jonny Mojo (Achilles Wheel) and Gary Campus (Deadbeats) host a cast of the finest musicians from around the region to conjure lightning in a bottle. BBD is a gathering point for everyone who wants to plug into the feeling of what it was like going to a Dead show. The music that bubbles forth from these nights captures the spontaneous, primal, orgasmic spirit that so many of us crave.
Jonny is a proverbial pied-piper who guides the flock to the promised land with his incredibly versatile guitar playing and passion for the music coursing through his veins. He is one of the most in-demand guitarists in the Bay Area and all around Nor Cal. He lives and breathes the music of the GD to the highest degree. Gary emanates pure joy in every beat and gracefully molds his style to elevate the strengths of his collaborators. He’s been a rhythmic instigator in the region for 45 years now and is as passionate as ever.
The special guests this month are headlined by Todd Gardner on guitar and vocals from Saints of Circumstance. He is one of the most inspired musicians we know, having processed deep downloads right in front of Jerry at shows such as the legendary Dozin’ at the Knick (3/24/90) and many more. This cat ventures into the furthest reaches of his soul at every performance to channel the psychedelic soul that pulses through this music. Chances are, your mind will leave your body at some point if Todd has anything to say about it.
Back on bass after many moons is the funky, jazzy, groove savant himself, Justin Purtill (Stu Allen and Mars Hotel, Residente). When you watch Justin play, it’s apparent he is letting things flow organically, while simultaneously processing the collective input like an astral physicist. Samuel Phelps (Jelly Bread) made such a splash here on keys back in February we had to bring him back very soon. This guy takes it to 11 every time, pushing things way out of the box with his highly innovative, electro attack. It’s lineups like these which make every BBD such a monumental experience!
