Three concerts- 60, 000 people at each concert , $635 per ticket for 3 days. Do the math

When are these fckers going to stop doing farewell tours and just pass.

Worst band ever.

The Bay Area hasn't produced a lot of musical talent, considering the huge influence it has had over the years in other cultural fields, from cuisine to outdoor life (mountain biking) to tech...

I am a huge Dead fan. I have an 8.5 hour Dead playlist on my iPhone. With that said:

I was lucky enough to see a 4 hour Dead concert at the Berkeley Community Theater in the summer of 1972 when I was 17. The band was in its prime. It was magic.

I don't see the motivation for anyone older to see what's left of that band. It shouldn't make you feel young again, it should depress you. They can't play the songs in the tempo they were intended to be played in. The songs have been de-balled. John Mayer must be p@issed he isn't allowed to play faster (I have listened to several of the songs performed last weekend on YouTube).

A good illustration of what I am saying is to listen to Cream at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968 and compare it to their reunion concert there in 2005. Depressing.

The only time I saw an old act shine was Ray Davies at Mountain Winery in 2012. He was backed by a band of 30 somethings and they back filled his vocals and they cranked out the Kinks' songs one after the other and it was brilliant.

Dead and Company need to pack it in.

This is the Dead, the Jerry and the Bob Weir I want to remember:


1978

bearister said:

---

I am a huge Dead fan. I have an 8.5 hour Dead playlist on my iPhone. With that said:

I was lucky enough to see a 4 hour Dead concert at the Berkeley Community Theater in the summer of 1972 when I was 17. The band was in its prime. It was magic.

I don't see the motivation for anyone older to see what's left of that band. It shouldn't make you feel young again, it should depress you. They can't play the songs in the tempo they were intended to be played in. The songs have been de-balled. John Mayer must be p@issed he isn't allowed to play faster (I have listed to several of the songs performed last weekend on YouTube).

A good illustration of what I am saying is to listen to Cream at the Royal Albert Hall in 1968 and compare it to their reunion concert there in 2005. Depressing.

The only time I saw an old act shine was Ray Davies at Mountain Winery in 2012. He was backed by a band of 30 somethings and they back filled his vocals and they cranked out the Kinks' songs one after the other and it was brilliant.

Dead and Company need to pack it in.

---

It's been a while since I've heard the Dead. I will listen to whatever you recommend as your favorite live album ....

They were hitting all the right notes on Europe '72 Volumes I and II.





* The 5/8/77 show at Cornell University is widely regarded as the most popular and critically acclaimed. Many consider it a peak performance during a tour known for exceptional shows.

A few years ago I caught the Zombies' Odyssey and Oracle revival tour, it was pretty good, fairly close to the well-crafted classic album. They had a mix of original members and younger musicians.

Cal88 said:

---

Worst band ever.

The Bay Area hasn't produced a lot of musical talent, considering the huge influence it has had over the years in other cultural fields, from cuisine to outdoor life (mountain biking) to tech...

---

Hasn't ? Hmm interesting

Top 10 Bands to Come out of San Francisco - Music in SF https://musicinsf.com/top-10-bands-to-come-out-of-san-francisco/

Bay Area is a cultural backwater.

It's notereity was as an end of the continent place of refuge for the wanderers and the lost- Beats, Hippies. Gays. But that peaked in 1968.

The Dead remain interesting as a cultural phenomenon.

Los Angeles is the cultural capital of California and in some areas the US

Sly et al were very good. Tower of Power, CCR. The old blues and jazz scenes as well

bearister said:

---

Top 10 Bands to Come out of San Francisco - Music in SF https://musicinsf.com/top-10-bands-to-come-out-of-san-francisco/

---

I had no idea CCR was from El Cerrito.
Faith No More? Top 10? Come on.


Here's Chat's list:

San Francisco has birthed some of the most iconic and genre-defining musical acts in history. Here's a curated list of standout performers and bands that originated in or were deeply shaped by the Bay Area:

Rock & Psychedelic Legends

Grateful Dead The quintessential San Francisco band, pioneers of the psychedelic jam band scene A
Jefferson Airplane Psychedelic rock icons, central to the 1960s counterculture movement B
Janis Joplin (via Big Brother and the Holding Company) Raw, soulful voice that defined an era
Journey Arena rock giants formed in SF in the early '70s A
Santana Fused Latin rhythms with rock, debuted at Woodstock


Influential Solo Artists

Jerry Garcia Lead guitarist of Grateful Dead, also had a prolific solo career B
Chris Isaak Known for his haunting ballad "Wicked Game" and retro rock vibe B
Grace Slick Powerful vocalist of Jefferson Airplane and later Jefferson Starship B


Alternative & Punk Trailblazers

Dead Kennedys Hardcore punk band with politically charged lyrics
Faith No More Blended metal, funk, and experimental rock
Mike Patton Vocalist for Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, known for his genre-defying style B
Jello Biafra Frontman of Dead Kennedys, outspoken activist B


Other Notables

Huey Lewis and the News Pop rock staples of the '80s
Michael Franti Blended hip-hop, reggae, and activism through music B
Sly and the Family Stone Funk pioneers with deep Bay Area roots
Metallica Though originally from LA, they became synonymous with the Bay Area thrash scene C

….. Absolutely, Tom let's expand the spotlight to the East Bay and Marin County, which have nurtured some incredible talent across genres:

East Bay Icons

Green Day Punk rock legends from Berkeley, known for "Dookie" and "American Idiot"
Tower of Power Funk and soul powerhouse from Oakland, famous for tight horn arrangements
En Vogue R&B vocal group formed in Oakland, known for hits like "Free Your Mind"
Too $hort Pioneer of West Coast hip-hop, straight out of Oakland
MC Hammer Rap superstar from Oakland, brought hip-hop to mainstream audiences
Digital Underground Funk-infused hip-hop group from Oakland, launched Tupac's career
The Pointer Sisters Versatile vocal group from Oakland, spanning soul, pop, and country
Primus Experimental rock band from El Sobrante, led by bassist Les Claypool
Counting Crows Though often associated with SF, they formed in Berkeley


Marin County Standouts

Huey Lewis and the News Based in Marin, their blend of pop and rock defined the '80s
Train Pop rock band with roots in San Rafael, known for "Drops of Jupiter"
Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks Eclectic fusion of jazz, country, and swing from Marin
The Grateful Dead Though born in SF, they lived and recorded extensively in Marin
Metallica After relocating from LA, they became synonymous with the Bay Area thrash scene, settling in Marin
Sammy Hagar Rock vocalist and former Van Halen frontman, longtime Marin resident


The Bay Area's musical DNA is wildly diverse punk, funk, metal, soul, and everything in between. Want to dive into how these artists shaped their genres or explore current local acts making waves in Sonoma and Napa? I've got plenty more riffs to share.


…… Absolutely, Tom let's roll into Sonoma and Napa, where the music scene blends local charm with serious talent:

Sonoma County Standouts

The Blues Defenders A beloved local blues band with high-energy performances across Healdsburg and Santa Rosa A
The Incubators Petaluma-based trio known for soulful harmonies and Americana vibes A
SR Laws Singer-songwriter with roots in Santa Rosa, blending folk and blues A
Onye & The Messengers Sebastopol's own Afrobeat and world music ensemble, part of the Peacetown Summer Series A
Pickin' Peaches Downtown Santa Rosa favorites, bringing bluegrass flair to happy hour sets A


Napa Valley Highlights

Ariel Marin Soulful vocalist performing regularly at The Fink in Napa B
Colin Mahar Acoustic artist featured in Napa's intimate venues B
Deep Basement Shakers Blues duo with a vintage sound, part of Napa's summer sessions B
Cold Blood Bay Area funk legends still rocking live shows in Napa B
Radio Bobcat Featured at Priest Ranch's Thursday Night Live series in Yountville B


These artists may not be household names (yet), but they're keeping the North Bay's music pulse strong. Want to dig into the venues that support this scene like HopMonk, The Fink, or Feast it Forward or explore how wine country festivals like BottleRock shape the local soundscape? I've got plenty more backstage passes to share.


…… You got it, Tom San Francisco's musical roots run deep, and there's still plenty of sonic gold to uncover. Here's a fresh batch of artists and bands that either originated in SF or were closely tied to its vibrant scene:

Indie, Experimental & Eclectic Sounds

The Brian Jonestown Massacre Psychedelic revivalists with a cult following, born in SF's Mission District
Deerhoof Avant-garde rock band known for unpredictable rhythms and genre-blending
The Dodos Indie folk duo with intricate percussion and layered guitar work
Girls Lo-fi indie rock with emotionally raw lyrics and dreamy melodies
Geographer Synth-pop and indie rock fusion, formed in SF
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Garage rock revivalists with gritty, atmospheric sound


Hip-Hop & Spoken Word

Andre Nickatina SF-born rapper with a cult West Coast following
Dan the Automator Producer behind projects like Deltron 3030 and Gorillaz's debut
Michael Franti Started with The Beatnigs in SF, blending hip-hop, punk, and activism
Lyrics Born Though originally from Tokyo, he rose through the Bay Area's underground hip-hop scene


Jazz & Fusion

Cal Tjader Latin jazz vibraphonist who helped define the SF jazz scene
Dave Brubeck Quartet Though not SF-born, they were deeply connected to the Bay Area jazz movement
David Grisman Mandolin virtuoso blending bluegrass, jazz, and folk coined "Dawg music"


Legacy & Underground Gems

The Flamin' Groovies Garage rock pioneers with roots in SF's Sunset District
4 Non Blondes Fronted by Linda Perry, known for "What's Up?" and their alt-rock edge
Romeo Void New wave band with post-punk vibes, formed at SF Art Institute
The Residents Experimental art collective known for anonymity and surreal performances
Quicksilver Messenger Service Psychedelic rock band from the Haight-Ashbury era
It's a Beautiful Day Known for the haunting "White Bird," part of SF's late-60s scene


SF's music scene is a kaleidoscope from jazz clubs in North Beach to punk basements in the Mission. Want to explore how venues like The Fillmore, Bottom of the Hill, or Great American Music Hall helped shape these artists? Or dive into the city's current indie renaissance? I've got plenty more grooves to spin.

Then I remembered the Bammies so I asked for some winners names:


The Bammies short for Bay Area Music Awards were a beloved institution in San Francisco's music scene, launched in 1977 by BAM Magazine founder Dennis Erokan A. They celebrated local musical talent across genres, with winners chosen by readers of BAM Magazine. In 1998, the awards were rebranded as the California Music Awards, expanding their scope beyond the Bay Area A.

While a complete list of winners over the years isn't readily available online, here are a few notable artists who were honored:

Notable Bammies Winners

Metallica Recognized for their dominance in rock and metal, especially during the Bay Area thrash boom
Green Day Honored for their punk rock influence and breakout success in the '90s
Santana Frequently celebrated for his fusion of Latin and rock music
Chris Isaak Acknowledged for his distinctive retro sound and vocal style
En Vogue Oakland-based R&B group with multiple accolades
Counting Crows Recognized for their alternative rock success and Bay Area roots
Train Honored during their rise with hits like "Drops of Jupiter"
Michael Franti Celebrated for blending hip-hop, reggae, and activism


The Bammies also spotlighted behind-the-scenes talent producers, engineers, and venue owners making it a true celebration of the Bay Area's musical ecosystem.

If you're curious about a specific year or artist, I can dig deeper. Or we could explore how the Bammies evolved into the California Music Awards and what that meant for the local scene.




The Bammies (Bay Area Music Awards) honored a wide range of artists from the late 1970s through the 1990s, celebrating the vibrant musical ecosystem of Northern California. While a full list of winners isn't publicly archived in one place, here are more notable recipients and regular honorees from the Bammies and its later incarnation, the California Music Awards:

Frequent Bammies/California Music Awards Winners

Bonnie Raitt Bay Area blues-rock icon, often recognized for her vocal and guitar work
Third Eye Blind SF-based alt-rock band, honored during their late '90s breakout
No Doubt Though from SoCal, they were recognized during the California Music Awards era
Cake Sacramento-based band with quirky alt-rock style, honored in the early 2000s
E-40 Vallejo hip-hop legend, acknowledged for his influence on Bay Area rap
Papa Roach Rock band from Vacaville, honored during the nu-metal wave
Blackalicious Sacramento hip-hop duo celebrated for lyrical depth and innovation
Tracy Chapman SF-based singer-songwriter, known for "Fast Car" and social commentary
Primus Experimental rock band from El Sobrante, often recognized for their unique sound
Sly & Robbie Though Jamaican, they were honored for collaborations with Bay Area artists


Behind-the-Scenes & Special Honors

Bill Graham Legendary promoter and venue owner, often honored posthumously
Dennis Erokan Founder of BAM Magazine and the Bammies, recognized for his contributions
Studio engineers and producers Awards often spotlighted local studio talent and live sound engineers


The Bammies weren't just about chart-toppers they celebrated the full spectrum of Bay Area music, from punk and funk to jazz and hip-hop. If you'd like, I can dig into specific years like 1995 or 1998, or explore how the awards reflected shifts in the local scene.

So, yeah…. Faith no More. Not so great.

Now then, Mr Bungle!!!
Peruse these fine selections:

Squeeze My Macaroni
My Ass Is On Fire
The Girls of Porn









Mr. Bungle is one of the wildest musical rides to ever come out of California specifically Eureka, up in Humboldt County. Formed in 1985, the band is known for its genre-defying experimental rock, blending everything from metal, ska, jazz, funk, disco, and avant-garde often within a single song.

What Makes Mr. Bungle Unique

Frontman: Mike Patton (also of Faith No More), whose vocal range and theatrical style helped define the band's sound.

Origins of the Name

The name "Mr. Bungle" comes from a 1950s educational film called Beginning Responsibility: Lunchroom Manners, which was later featured on The Pee-wee Herman Show. The character Mr. Bungle was a cautionary tale a kid who misbehaved in school and the band adopted the name with ironic flair.

"I had no idea CCR was from El Cerrito."

….and until I listened to this, I had no idea they were so good live:

Dave Brubeck was born in Concord in December 1920. Family notes told me that my great grandmother taught him piano.

I wrote to him 15-20 years ago and inquired. He said he was taught piano by his mother, but he did remember my grandmother's last name because of a girl with our family last name (I think he probably remembered my grandmother's cousin, closer in age to him and good looking).

Dave Brubeck moved from Concord to Ione, California around 1932, when he was about 12 years old A B. His father, Pete Brubeck, took a job managing the massive 45,000-acre Rancho Arroyo Seco cattle ranch near Ione, and the family relocated to live on the property.

This move marked a pivotal shift in Dave's upbringing from the musical hum of Concord, where his mother taught piano, to the rugged rhythms of ranch life. He later said the sounds of engines, hooves, and water pumps on the ranch helped shape his sense of rhythm and musical imagination

Dave Brubeck has a park in his name along Concord Blvd.

In the realm of jazz, Vince Guaraldi was a standout who is a local.

Anarchistbear said:

---

Bay Area is a cultural backwater.

Its notereity was as an end of the continent place of refuge for the wanderers and the lost- Beats, Hippies. Gays. But that peaked in 1968.

The Dead remain interesting as a cultural phenomenon.

Los Angeles is the cultural capital of California and in some areas the US

Sly et al were very good. Tower of Power, CCR. The old blues and jazz scenes as well

---

That's a good laugh.
What, do you live in Venice Beach?

Cal88 said:

---

In the realm of jazz, Vince Guaraldi was a standout who is a local.

---

I went to play the song, and found this, and lo and behold, it brought some tears to my eyes.
Thanks for the add.



Surprised to hear the singing boys were from St Paul's in San Rafael, where we held the memorial for my stepfather.



Yes both Charles M. Schulz and Vince Guaraldi had deep Bay Area roots, though in slightly different ways:

Charles M. Schulz

Born: November 26, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bay Area Connection: Moved to Sebastopol, California in 1960, where he lived and worked for over a decade
His studio was located on the property at 2162 Coffee Lane, and he later settled in Santa Rosa, where the Charles M. Schulz Museum now stands
Though not born in the Bay Area, he spent much of his creative life there, including writing and drawing Peanuts until his death in 2000


Vince Guaraldi

Born: July 17, 1928, in San Francisco, California
A true Bay Area native, he studied at San Francisco State University and performed regularly at iconic local venues like the Blackhawk and The Trident in Sausalito A B
His jazz trio became famous for scoring the Peanuts specials, starting with A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965


So while Schulz adopted the Bay Area as his creative home, Guaraldi was born into its musical heartbeat. Their collaboration Schulz's storytelling and Guaraldi's jazz became one of the most beloved artistic pairings in American pop culture. Want to explore how their partnership evolved over the years?


How It Began

In 1963, producer Lee Mendelson was working on a documentary about Schulz and Peanuts.
Driving home from a meeting with Schulz, Mendelson heard Guaraldi's Grammy-winning tune Cast Your Fate to the Wind on the radio A.
Struck by its breezy, melodic charm, Mendelson reached out to Guaraldi a fellow San Franciscan to score the documentary.


The Spark of "Linus and Lucy"

Guaraldi was so excited about a new piece he'd written that he played it for Mendelson over the phone it was Linus and Lucy A.
Though the documentary didn't sell, Coca-Cola saw potential and backed a Christmas special.
Schulz insisted on mixing jazz with traditional music, and Guaraldi was brought back to score A Charlie Brown Christmas A.


A Lasting Legacy

Guaraldi's music gave Peanuts its emotional heartbeat whimsical, melancholic, and timeless.
The trio Schulz, Mendelson, and Guaraldi collaborated on 16 Peanuts specials until Guaraldi's death in 1976 B.
Tracks like Skating, Christmas Time Is Here, and Linus and Lucy became jazz standards and holiday staples.

concordtom said:

---

Anarchistbear said:

---

Bay Area is a cultural backwater.

Its notereity was as an end of the continent place of refuge for the wanderers and the lost- Beats, Hippies. Gays. But that peaked in 1968.

The Dead remain interesting as a cultural phenomenon.

Los Angeles is the cultural capital of California and in some areas the US

Sly et al were very good. Tower of Power, CCR. The old blues and jazz scenes as well

---

That's a good laugh.
What, do you live in Venice Beach?

---

That was my point above:

Quote:

---

The Bay Area hasn't produced a lot of musical talent, considering the huge influence it has had over the years in other cultural fields, from cuisine to outdoor life (mountain biking) to tech...

---

Huge footprint in tech culture, but not much in terms of local music scene, relatively speaking, considering the Bay Area is the 4th largest urban metro.

Cal88 said:

---

concordtom said:

---

Anarchistbear said:

---

Bay Area is a cultural backwater.

Its notereity was as an end of the continent place of refuge for the wanderers and the lost- Beats, Hippies. Gays. But that peaked in 1968.

The Dead remain interesting as a cultural phenomenon.

Los Angeles is the cultural capital of California and in some areas the US

Sly et al were very good. Tower of Power, CCR. The old blues and jazz scenes as well

---

That's a good laugh.
What, do you live in Venice Beach?

---

That was my point above:

Quote:

---

The Bay Area hasn't produced a lot of musical talent, considering the huge influence it has had over the years in other cultural fields, from cuisine to outdoor life (mountain biking) to tech...

---

Huge footprint in tech culture, but not much in terms of local music scene, relatively speaking, considering the Bay Area is the 4th largest urban metro.

---

Fourth?????
Let's see….
NYC
LA
Chicago
Houston….

I'll have to consult.



Here's a ranked list of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States by population, based on recent data:

Top U.S. Metropolitan Areas (by population)

Rank
Metro Area
Estimated Population

1 New YorkNewarkJersey City, NYNJPA
~20 million

2 Los AngelesLong BeachAnaheim, CA
~13.2 million

3 ChicagoNapervilleElgin, ILINWI
~9.5 million

4 DallasFort WorthArlington, TX
~7.6 million

5 HoustonThe WoodlandsSugar Land, TX
~7.1 million

6 WashingtonArlingtonAlexandria, DCVAMDWV
~6.3 million

7 MiamiFort LauderdalePompano Beach, FL
~6.2 million

8 PhiladelphiaCamdenWilmington, PANJDEMD
~6.1 million

9 AtlantaSandy SpringsAlpharetta, GA
~6.0 million

PhoenixMesaChandler, AZ
~4.9 million


Notable Mention

San FranciscoOaklandBerkeley, CA ranks just outside the top 10 with ~4.7 million residents.

(OKAY, NOW I KNOW 4.7M IS TOO LOW.)

These metro areas are defined by economic and social integration, not just city limits so they often span multiple counties and even states.


………..

You're absolutely right to question that, Tom the Bay Area is often underestimated in rankings because definitions vary. If we go by the nine-county definition used by the Association of Bay Area Governments (which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and San Francisco), the population is around 7.7 million as of 2025.

But if we expand to the 14-county Combined Statistical Area which includes places like Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Joaquin the population climbs to over 9.2 million. That's comparable to the Atlanta or Miami metro areas and definitely deserves more recognition in national rankings.

when we shift from Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) to Combined Statistical Areas (CSAs), the rankings change significantly because CSAs include adjacent metro and micropolitan areas with strong economic and commuting ties.

Here's a re-ranked list of the largest U.S. CSAs by population as of the most recent estimates:

Top U.S. Combined Statistical Areas (CSA)

Rank
Combined Statistical Area
Estimated Population

1 New YorkNewarkNYNJCTPA ~22.3 million

2 Los AngelesLong BeachCA ~18.8 million

3 ChicagoNapervilleElginILINWI ~9.9 million

4 WashingtonBaltimoreArlingtonDCMDVAWVPA ~9.8 million

5 San JoseSan FranciscoOaklandCA ~9.7 million

6 BostonWorcesterProvidenceMARINHCT ~8.3 million

7 DallasFort WorthTXOK ~8.0 million

8 PhiladelphiaReadingCamdenPANJDEMD ~7.2 million

9 HoustonThe WoodlandsTX ~7.2 million

MiamiPort St. LucieFort LauderdaleFL ~6.9 million


Bay Area Spotlight

The San JoseSan FranciscoOakland CSA, which includes 14 counties, ranks #5 nationally with ~9.7 million residents far larger than the standalone SF metro ranking suggests

Historically, the Bay Area metro was #4 very close behind the Chicago metro. High housing costs have curtailed its growth in the past few decades, while DC grew because of the explosive growth in the military-security network and federal bureaucracy.

As well as you have noted the Bay Area gets geographically truncated in those metro rankings.

Cal88 said:

---

Worst band ever.

The Bay Area hasn't produced a lot of musical talent, considering the huge influence it has had over the years in other cultural fields, from cuisine to outdoor life (mountain biking) to tech...

---

Dropped a lot of acid back in the day? What a ridiculous statement.

I saw Vince Guaraldi at one of those free Stern Grove concerts in mid 1970's. I think he just showed up and was jamming with Turk Murphy because I can't find Vince officially listed as a performer at Stern Grove except I'm 1966.

*I will go to my grave believing I saw Rick Derringer perform his hit Jump Jump Jump at the CSN&Y July, 1974 Day on the Green in Oakland but he ain't listed. Maybe Joe Walsh & Barnstorm did a cover of it there.

bearister said:

---

*I will go to my grave believing I saw Rick Derringer perform his hit Jump Jump Jump at the CSN&Y July, 1974 Day on the Green in Oakland but he ain't listed. Maybe Joe Walsh & Barnstorm did a cover of it there.

---

I never heard of him. How can that be?



Sounds like SRV.
Maybe I heard this on radio once.
But only once.




Interesting. Frankenstein is one of my favorites!!



Rick Derringer (born Richard Dean Zehringer on August 5, 1947 passed May 26, 2025) was a legendary American guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose career spanned six decades

Early Fame

At just 17, Derringer hit No. 1 with "Hang On Sloopy" as part of The McCoys in 1965, dethroning The Beatles' "Yesterday"
The McCoys charted multiple hits and toured extensively before Derringer joined forces with blues-rock icon Johnny Winter.


Solo Career & Collaborations

His 1973 solo debut All American Boy featured the enduring anthem "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo"
He played and produced for Johnny and Edgar Winter, contributing to classics like Frankenstein and Free Ride.
Derringer worked with Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Alice Cooper, and even Barbra Streisand.


Pop Culture Impact

Produced Grammy-winning parodies for Weird Al Yankovic, including "Eat It" and "Fat"
Composed "Real American", Hulk Hogan's iconic entrance theme for the WWF
Toured with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band from 2011 to 2014


Later Years & Legacy

Shifted toward Christian and jazz music, collaborating with his wife Jenda Hall on faith-based albums.
Passed away peacefully in Ormond Beach, Florida, at age 77, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.



Good version:



Gee, and you didn't put him in the Obituaries thread?
Or did I miss that?

"Dave Brubeck did live in the Montclair neighborhood of Oakland, California. Specifically, he resided at 6630 Heartwood Drive in a unique, cantilevered home designed by architect Beverley D. Thorne. The house is often referred to as the "house in the sky" or the "tree house" due to its design.

Here's a bit more detail:

Unique Design:
The house was built in 1953 and is known for its innovative use of steel beams and glass, allowing it to appear to "float" above the hillside.

Inspiration for Music:
Brubeck and his wife, Iola, lived in the house and he composed some of his most famous pieces there. He even had a grand piano placed near a large boulder on the property that played a key role in the home's structure and his music.

"House in the Sky":
The house's cantilevered design, with steel beams projecting out, creates the impression that it is suspended in the air.

For Sale:
The house was recently listed for sale with a price of $3 million."
AI Overview

Jazz icon's midcentury Oakland 'tree house' listed for $3 million.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dave-brubeck-tree-house-oakland-18436859.php

Thx.
I lived 5 years in Montclair as a kid, on estates just up Lasalle from the village.
A lot of my friends lived up Shepherd Canyon and do we'd ride our "dirt bikes" all through those hills.

I see the address is near familiar streets, Saroni, Colton, Snake.

My letter to Brubeck, then in CT, was responded to in typed letter response.
I was hoping to add to some family lore if he confirmed about my great grandmother.
Oh well, he was only 12 when he left town - what did he know?

Family lore also says Irving Berlin invited G Grandma to tour with him.
That one kinda blows me away. I never heard her play piano once, she was past her prime!

Nice of Dave to respond!

First time I smoked whacky tobacky was on Snake. Dark and secluded.

You nailed it Bearister. Comes a time… I got on the bus with first show in 1972. Free shows at Speedway Meadow in GC Park. Ahhhh yes…..I feel blessed for the ride. But too depressing for me also going to Dead&Co shows. Not to day I won't go though….

https://bearinsider.com/forums/6/topics/100433/replies/2505022

https://bearinsider.com/forums/6/topics/100433/replies/2505062

concordtom said:

---

Thx.

I lived 5 years in Montclair as a kid, on estates just up Lasalle from the village.

A lot of my friends lived up Shepherd Canyon and do we'd ride our "dirt bikes" all through those hills.

---

My grandparents rented an apartment down at the end Somerset, just off Estates Drive.

I would stay with them on the weekends in the late 60's and early 70's and go bowling every Sunday at Rosie Duval's College Bowl in Oakland.

Rolled a 197-205-183 series at age 12 with a brand new Dick Weber ball.

My grandfather would sneak drinks next door at George & Walts in between frames.

Good times!

George and Walt's survives. Way better than the Dead

Somerset… overlooks the golf that Bearister loves (other side of Park)

Nice job on the bowling.
I guess you peaked early.

Roger that!

I like listening to the playlist from my youth (the '70s going into the '80s), but I would never go to a concert like that, with the performers being old and the audience following along, basically looking like me except in public.

Way too depressing.