Long time passing

Where have all the Deadheads gone? Since the breakup of the most tour-ific band of the late 20th century, the carefree spirits who followed them selling hemp seed brownies, wrapping hair, taking it easy and needing a miracle, have dispersed throughout society. As evidenced by the number of painted VW’s at this year’s Whole Earth Festival, some maintain the nomadic existence. Others have settled in the workaday world, reluctantly cutting their dreadlocks and pacifying themselves with bootleg concert recordings until the next Ratdog show. Many will migrate to Wisconsin this weekend for the Grateful Dead Family Reunion—a patchoulipalooza of Steal Your Face T-shirts and long-haired noodle dancers. Deadheads lacking the means for said excursion are invited to the 6th Annual Jerry Bash, Nevada City’s own Grateful Dead festival. The Deadbeats, whom Mickey Hart called “the best Grateful Dead cover band I’ve ever heard,” headline both days. Other acts include Shekina Sehar and Evergreen and The Bodhi Busick Band. Liquid Lights will pay tribute to the days when an overhead projector and some colored water was enough to cause a heavy freak-out. The festival, which includes food vendors and plenty of dance room, begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $15 per night or $25 for both. North Columbia Schoolhouse Cultural Center, 17894 Tyler Foote Crossing Rd., Nevada City. Call (530) 265-2826 for more information.