Three bohemian bands and a world-famous clown came together June 2 at the UC Theatre in Berkeley, California, for a benefit for the Seva Foundation, a global health organization with a core vision of “A world free of blindness.” Emceed by Seva co-founder Wavy Gravy, who remains on its board of directors, Rising Appalachia, Dead Winter Carpenters, and The Sam Chase & the Untraditional marked Seva’s 40th anniversary by visibly invigorating the swaying, dancing crowd.

Two progressive bluegrass titans shared a co-billing last weekend at The UC Theatre in Berkeley, California. Infamous Stringdusters hosted a diverse two-night run beginning last Thursday with Keller Williams and Grateful Gospel. Fans that evening were treated to an array of Grateful Dead classics augmented by a joint group of Keller and the Dusters.

Jam Veteran Melvin Seals is generally acknowledged as the keeper of the flame for continuing the music of Jerry Garcia Band. The organist/keyboardist met Garcia thru his friend Merl Saunders in the early 1980s. Garcia was struck not only by Seals sheer talent and soul but that he was separate from the whole Grateful Dead world. In fact, as a man of the church, he was only marginally familiar with the Dead and Garcia.

Infamous Stringdusters @ UC Theatre

On April 7th, 8th and 9th Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) will perform for the first time ever in Berkeley, CA.  The performances will be held at the newly renovated UC Theatre.