The Rex Foundation Blog

Rex invites Musicians, Bands and Promotors to get on Board the Rex Music Caravan

2009-06-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Rex Foundation hopes you will all get on board the Rex Music Caravan over the summer when you encounter a Rex Jam at the summer festivals or see one of the bands on the Music Caravan. Rex Jams are when one of the bands announces from the stage that "this is a Rex Jam segment". Volunteers will walk through the crowd collecting donations that are granted to local music programs. The potential is that thousands of dollars will be donated to help children's music programs in communities where the festivals are held. 10,000 Lakes and Gathering of the Vibes are festivals where you will encounter the Rex Foundation in a prominent grass roots fundraising role.

Various bands out on the highway are also on board the Music Caravan donating a small portion of each ticket sold and helping Rex identify worthy non-profits and individuals who are doing the good work that fits the Rex Foundation Mission. Taj Mahal, Bob Weir, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals & JBG, Moonalice, and Steve Kimock's Crazy Engine are just a few bands who are donating $1 from the ticket sales to the Rex Foundation. We encourage you to go out and see these bands which in turn will support their musical efforts along with supporting the Rex Foundation.

Are you a band or a musician who shares the values of the Rex Foundation? Whether you are an A list band or a bunch of Dead Heads jammin' your hearts out, Get on Board and let us know if you want to support the Rex Music Caravan. We would love to work with you! Please email info@rexfoundation.org and tell us who you are and how to contact you. Use the phrase "Rex Music Caravan" in the subject line.

We also welcome the interest and participation of Promoters who want to associate with the good works that Rex Foundation has supported for the past 26 years. We can use your help and expertise to further the tremendous effort that has supported so many people and positively affected the human race and the planet in so many ways. Take a look at the extensive list of Rex Grantees to see what we've been doing.

In this short video, Rex Foundation board members, Nick Morgan and Carolyn Garcia with Sandy Sohcot, executive director talk about the impact the money raised from the Rex Jams at summer festivals has on music programs in communities where the festivals are held. Please take a few minutes to hear what they have to say. Thank you in advance... for supporting the Rex Foundation!

Taj Mahal at Silver Oak Cellars 6-11-2009

2009-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

In the heart of Napa Valley and California viticulture is Silver Oak Cellars, considered to be among the producers of the finest cabernet sauvignon in the world. The winery and vineyards are nestled between Route 29 and the Silverado Trail on Oakville Cross Road. Thanks to Executive Vice President and Rex board member Tim Duncan, Silver Oak Cellars opened its doors to the Rex Foundation's Music Caravan.

The extraordinary setting included a remarkable sunset that flowed into a bright view of the big dipper overhead while Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, Jay Lane and the Taj Mahal Trio shredded the vines right off their roots. Excellent wine and delicious food were served all evening to several hundred Rex supporters at this intimate event.

The evening was an acoustic exploration of Grateful Dead Music, and Delta Blues with a smattering of World Music sprinkled in. The first trio was Weir, Wasserman and Lane who played for an hour or so improvising a jam so thoroughly delightful that the wine enthusiasts rated it a 99. The Taj Mahal Trio followed with no less than a 99.5 performance that jolted the laid back crowd to its feet and kept them dancing till the music stopped. Bobby Weir joined Taj for an eclectic set of songs.

Proceeds from this Rex Music Caravan event will benefit small non-profits in Napa Valley doing good work who fit the Mission of the Rex Foundation.

Reflections on the Grateful Dead: Saying Yes to Fun

2009-03-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

I was moved by the conversation with Sandy that started over coffee and prompted her to share her reflections here. So, I'm taking her up on the invitation to share my thoughts, too. I hope to read yours soon!

“Thought he’d have a big ol’ party; thought he’d call it planet Earth.”

In the early ‘80s, I was a prep school student in Westchester County, New York, on track for an Ivy-caliber college and a predictable path to success: doctor, lawyer, executive with a house in the ‘burbs. Like many of my classmates, I was envious of the people who lived in the 1960s. It seemed things had been much more exciting then, and that there had been more opportunity for adventure and a focus on making a difference – socially, artistically, politically, and personally.

Rock ‘n’ roll music tied us to that “energy” but underscored that we’d missed the boat: the deaths of the Who’s Keith Moon (in 1978), Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham (in 1980), the Rolling Stones’ ventures into disco, and, of course, the shooting of John Lennon (in 1980) amplified our sense of being stuck in not-so-interesting times.

Then there were the Dead, who were just … different. The Dead’s music—and the tour milieu—conjured up the possibility of world, and a country, that was still very exciting. Intellectually, I found the synthesis of so many different kinds of music –“American” spirituals, jazz, country, blue grass, with symphonic infrastructure, “global” drums, and Eastern European folk music – fascinating and promising in the way that Walt Whitman’s poetry was. Emotionally, though, it was as much about the people as the music.

Mythologist Joseph Campbell once said, “The Deadheads are doing the dance of life, and this, I would say, is the answer to the atom bomb.” That sounded like a pretty weighty assignment! Perhaps he was right, though, and the dance of life isn’t a solution – just a healing response: the best moments at shows gave a glimpse of what it would feel like if the world were right, and confirmed that regardless of the many things to worry about, the path to right should be (and, in fact, is) fun.

While I was involved with a variety of political and social activities and experiments, from apartheid protests to organic farming, these organized endeavors did not provide the level of community or the little doses of magic that appeared spontaneously among the Deadheads. The best part … once brought to life among those people, that version of reality has stayed with me; it is part of my inspiration for staying involved through the Rex Foundation in general, and in the capacity of social networking in particular. I want to help spread the human wealth.

You see, I’m not quite ready to give up on getting those out-of-the blue reminders of the dance of life: from a guy who greeted me in a parking lot on Easter morning 20 years ago with a quartz crystal and the announcement that, “Christ has risen, sister!” to a new, online friend who told me he’d encountered a 17 year-old “just turned onto the Dead” and introduced him to the charitable works of the Rex Foundation. If we’re all here for the same party, we may as well dance together.

Reflections: How Grateful Dead Concerts Influenced My Life

2009-02-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Rex Foundation Executive Director Sandy Sohcot writes:

See here how everything lead up to this day...

Robert Hunter's lyric from "Black Peter" is front and center right now as I contemplate a recent conversation with a sister Deadhead about how our experiences at Grateful Dead concerts have influenced our lives. We thought it would be interesting and fun to invite a story exchange on this theme--I hope you enjoy my story and feel inclined to share yours.

Unquestionably, I'm sitting at my Rex Foundation desk as Executive Director writing this because of that first Grateful Dead concert I went to at the Berkeley Community Theater in 1972. I recall that at about 1:00 a.m., during a long space set that prompted me to wonder if deeper contemplation was called for, I turned to Art Sohcot, my husband, who in 1987 passed away from complications related to leukemia, and asked what he thought this experience was all about. "It's just fun," he said. And so, the fun began.

What also began to happen as we went to one show after another was the connecting with people. At one Warfield show a woman sitting next to me just started talking to me about random thoughts, which then became a continuing conversation. We kept seeing each other at different shows and essentially became concert friends, which in turn generated expanded connections with the various people we each knew at the shows.

I had the same experience with many different people. We found that our shared connection with the music, and all that the music and lyrics evoked, offered a common frame of reference that was both fun and soul-enriching. Going to shows meant music and community. And, independent of concert-going, it got to the point that if you met someone and found out that you shared similar Grateful Dead experiences, you immediately had a common bond, which then paved the way for a likely friendship.

I'm at the Rex Foundation today in great part because of what I've just described. The Rex board member who called me in February 2001 to see if I'd be interested in being Executive Director was a lawyer who had met Art Sohcot at a law office party in 1983, and in talking, discovered common interest in the Grateful Dead. We became close friends as we went to many shows together and then kept connecting in other ways. The person who encouraged me to take the Rex Foundation position was the friend who took us to that first show in 1972.

These deep friendships were and are based on shared life views and values, extending way beyond the concerts we frequented, yet also are connected by the ethos felt during those shows. That same ethos is, in my view, how the Rex Foundation came to be; flowing along with the fun of enjoying the music was the awareness--among the band and the fans--that there was more to care about outside the concert hall.

It's now virtually impossible to distinguish between all the connections across people, lyrics and experiences that have led to today. I know that the personal life values I started with were both reinforced and enhanced by those connections. For me, the Rex Foundation has been an incredible opportunity to connect all these dots and carry forward day-by-day the very best of my concert experiences.

Congrats to Mickey Hart and Global Drum Project

2009-02-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Percussionist extraordinaire (and Rex board member) Mickey Hart, along with compatriots Zakir Hussain, Sikiru Adepoju and Giovanni Hidalgo, won the Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album in last night's Grammy Awards ceremony for their Global Drum Project album. It's the second such award for Mickey and his fellow drummers, whose Planet Drum won a Grammy in 1991. Congratulations to Mickey and GDP!

Bob Weir to Help Rex grantee Project Avary Celebrate its 10th Anniversary

2009-02-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

If you are going to be in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 4th, please join Project Avary at the Great American Music Hall for an intimate evening that promises to be a literary and musical treat. Project Avary offers summer and family camps, field trips, and leadership programs for children with incarcerated parents. Founded by former Grateful Dead manager Danny Rifkin and supported from the beginning by the Rex Foundation, Avary is happy and proud to have seen so many of our children grow and thrive.

The festivities will include a conversation between KQED’s Michael Krasny and author Isabel Allende as well as a musical performance by Moonalice with special guests Bob Weir and Mark Karan. Your ticket also gets you dinner, entry to a silent auction, (which will include special signed collector’s items), and a chance to meet some of our children. Come and hear about their successes in college, the arts, the workplace, and the community! Just complete the online request for an invitation. Tickets are $100, with all net proceeds benefiting Project Avary's programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Sweet Pictures Everywhere...

2009-01-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

or at least on the Rex Web site and on our Facebook page--great shots by Susana Millman and Bob Minkin at December's Sweet Music Everywhere gathering. The music was wonderful, the vibe couldn't be better, and it all shows in the pics. Whether you were part of the event or want to join the fun now, check it out!

For Rex History Buffs

2009-01-19T15:12:00.000-08:00

This week's archived Grateful Dead Hour broadcast on Dead.net features a 1991 show in which Phil Lesh and Gary Lambert explain the Rex Foundation's Ralph J. Gleason Award, which they're about to present to David Grisman. They're interviewing Grisman and swapping tales of the early days when along comes Jerry Garcia with more stories. It's a blast from Rex's past, so if you missed it the first time around, or want to revisit the good times, check it out!

Sweet Music Everywhere - Twenty-Five Years, So Far ...

2008-12-17T19:51:00.001-08:00

When the Grateful Dead launched the Rex Foundation in 1983, they had not yet hit the 20-year milestone. The band’s break onto the top of the pop charts and into the mainstream's limelight was a few years away, and the taper's section was not yet a reality.

This community has come a long way!

On December 13th, Rex celebrated 25 years of grassroots philanthropy with “Sweet Music Everywhere” at the Grand Ballroom of the Regency Center in San Francisco.

During his bluegrass set, early in the evening, headliner Peter Rowan commented that his musical world opened up the day he heard the “Whop-bop-a-lu-a-whop-bam-boo.” The evening’s performers, including Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, David Gans, Jackie Greene, the Brass Mafia, and Crucial Reggae lived up to the challenge of exploring the horizons, weaving elements of reggae, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll into new arrangements of familiar tunes.

Since its inception the Rex Foundation has granted over $8M dollars to grassroots nonprofits and individual artists doing good work all around the globe. Over $1M of that amount has been raised and given out since 2001, when Rex invited the next generation of musicians and supporters to join the Rex Caravan, and participate in special events that carry on the Grateful Dead’s tradition of benefit concerts.

Thank you to everyone who attended. Even if you missed the music, you can still be a part of the celebration. Stanley Mouse's commemorative poster - created especially for the occasion - is still available.

Another Accolade for Mickey Hart's Global Drum Project

2008-12-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Rex congratulates Mickey Hart and the Global Drum Project on the Grammy Award nomination in the Best Contemporary World Music Album category for their self-titled, 15-year reunion album from Shout! Factory.

The 1991 collaboration album between Zakir Hussain, Giovanni Hidalgo, Sikiru Adepoju, and many other musicians took home the first ever Grammy in the World Music Category. Mickey and Zakir produced the recent album at Mickey's Studio X in Sonoma County; engineers included Jonah Sharp, Graham Shrimpton, Richard Fisher, John Paul McLean and Robert Gateley. Mickey, Zakir and Tom Flye mixed it. Mastering was by John Cuniberti at The Plant in Sausalito.

The Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in L.A. February 9, 2009.

Rex Grantee Bradley Angel Wins 2008 Cultural Freedom Award

2008-12-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Bradley Angel, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Greenaction for Health an Environmental Justice, was just awarded the Lannan Foundation 2008 Cultural Freedom Award. This award honors individuals working on behalf of communities struggling to uphold and defend their right to cultural freedom and diversity. As defined by Lannan, Cultural Freedom is a basic human right dependent on political, economic, and environmental justice.

The Rex Foundation supported Greenaction in 2006 with a grant in recognition of their outstanding work mobilizing community power to win victories that change government and corporate policies and practices to protect health and to promote environmental justice.Using technical expertise and people power, Greenaction has been on the front lines of preventing incinerators being located in communities that are the least prepared to stand up for their rights.

Its another testament to the exceptionally relevant work of the Rex Foundation that we are identifying and supporting organizations that are important participants in the efforts to build a better world!

Personal Invitation from Carolyn Garcia

2008-12-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Carolyn Garcia, former wife of Jerry Garcia and present Rex Foundation Board Member, has posted a video inviting everyone to come out and celebrate our 25th Anniversary!

Update: Drums of Peace in Iraq

2008-11-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Christine in Iraq.

In 2007 and 2008, the Rex Foundation provided grants to help Christine Stevens of UpBeat Drum Circles bring drumming as a peacemaking and community-building tool to war-torn areas of Iraq. (See Drums of Peace and Ripple Effects).

Rex executive director Sandy Sohcot recently received this report and pictures from Christine's latest trip.

Sandy,

Thank you so much for your support of our project in Iraq.

Thanks to Rex Foundation, there are ongoing drum circles weekly in four cities recovering from the war in northern Iraq; including Halabjah, Darbandikhan, Koya, and Suliamaniya. In addition, we were able to join them for a ribbon cutting ceremony of the first-ever music therapy clinic for children's rehabilitation in Iraq.

Happy drumming,

Christine

Christine participates in a drum circle in Darbandikhan.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at music therapy clinic.

Christine talks to young drummers at the music therapy clinic.

Music therapy clinic for children.

Women's drum circle.

(photo credit: Constantine Alatzas)

An Excerpt from the Rex Foundation Newsletter-Perspectives on the World As It Could Be

2008-10-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

The writing below reflects why we put together the current newsletter Perspectives on The World As It Could Be. With the election on the horizon, I’m hopeful that these perspectives add to the hopeful energy stirring around us, where with our votes, energy and engagement, we can both imagine and experience the best of all possible worlds.

To read more of the newsletter (http://www.rexfoundation.org/RexNewsletter6.pdf), please
CLICK HERE

In April 2006 I had the privilege and joy of being at the offices of the San Francisco Mime Troupe Youth Theater Project to begin planning our creative project with youth to help raise greater awareness about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Around the table, in addition to the Mime Troupe staff, were Ellen Sebastian Chang, our soon-to-be Creative Director, Sarah Crowell of Destiny Arts Center, and James Kass of Youth Speaks. We were looking at the UDHR document as printed in the 2006 Rex Foundation newsletter Perspectives on Being Human, reading its Preamble and 30 Articles.

As we contemplated the significance of the UDHR statements, Peggy Rose of the Mime Troupe noted the document’s eloquence in depicting the world as it could be. And so was born the title of our first creative project, The World As It Could Be – A Declaration of Human Rights, which, because of its positive impact, has now evolved to The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program. What has been most meaningful to me over these last two years has been the way the youth and adults involved in the project have gained not just awareness but palpable excitement about the type of world that is possible, and how individual and collective actions
make a difference.

This experience prompted publishing this newsletter right now. We are close to the November 4th U.S. election to choose the next president and Congressional leaders. We’ll also be choosing local officials and deciding on regulatory policies and amendments to state constitutions. And we are in the midst of a sharp global awakening as to how inter-connected we are in terms of financial and environmental activity. The current situation, though anxiety-provoking and challenging, is a unique opportunity to spur thinking about how vital it is for each of us to be awake and mindful – to know that we can not only envision but also impact the type of world we live in. While we have had visionary thinkers and leaders throughout history, we have not always had the psychological know-how to realize our own individual importance as conscious, caring people, who, by our own actions and awareness of our impact on others, can generate tremendous energy and influence.

In the 2007/08 dramatization The World As It Could Be – Where There’s A Will There’s A Way, created by the youth of the Destiny Arts Center Performance Troupe, there was a segment where each person presented minute actions they would take to manifest the words of the UDHR. One said, “I will no longer drink bottled water.” Another said, “I will speak up if I witness anyone being disrespectful to others.” And another said, “I will vote.”

December 10, 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, when all the nations in the world agreed that it was vital to work toward a world that provided for everyone the conditions laid out by each of the 30 Articles. I know that the people who work to carry out the programs supported by Rex Foundation grants are doing all they can to manifest these words. I’m also seeing how the young people who learn about the UDHR are inspired to take on responsibilities as global citizens to manifest it’s words. I’m hopeful that the messages conveyed here and throughout this newsletter provide encouragement to consider the type of world desired for generations to come and how invaluable each person’s thinking and actions are to making this happen.

– Sandy Sohcot

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass: A Gift of Music

2008-10-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

It's been twenty-four years since I saw my first Rex benefit show. Since then I've seen more shows, contributed money, and worked with the Rex Foundation over the World Wide Web. It was a great joy to open a new chapter - joining other volunteers to staff a table at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

The festival, which celebrated its 8th year on the first weekend in October of 2008, is financier Warren Hellman's gift to the City and to music fans. Mr. Hellman decided to underwrite the free concerts so that an eclectic group of musicians could be hired without regard to their ability to bring in ticket sales. The unique event now draws over 100,000 people to see big names like Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, and Robert Plant (with Allison Krauss and T-Bone Burnett) and less widely known players as diverse as Gogol Bordello, Loudon Wainwright III, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Mickey Hart performed with the Global Drum Project.

I had a great time at the Rex table, getting to know the other members of the team, board members Freddy Hahne (our captain for the weekend) and Nick Morgan; fellow supporters Dave Fortescue and Casey Lowdermilk; and intern Kai Flippini. What made the experience really special was the connections with so many generations of kind travelers, ranging from one woman who remembered Jerry Garcia from a time before he earned money from his music to another who looked at the Carvavan flyers and asked me why we chose a bus as the metaphor.

We collected $600 in donations for the Rex Foundation. For those $20 donors who recieved a Jerry Jams, Jerry Cares CD, enjoy your tunes. Thanks to everyone who visited, or who threw us a smile or a thumbs-up as you made your way through the crowd!

Phil Lesh Rocks the Slow Food Nation

2008-09-08T19:54:00.000-07:00

A two-hour set from Phil Lesh and Friends was the perfect close to San Francisco’s Slow Food Nation events. Over the course of the Labor Day weekend, sixty thousand people attended Slow Food Rocks concerts, lectures by luminaries such as farmer-poet Wendell Berry, a tasting event, and picnics at various locations across the city. A World War II style Victory Garden, planted at the Civic Center in July, produced food that was ready by late August for distribution to people in need.

At Fort Mason’s Great Meadow, the performers’ backdrop consisted of breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco cityscape. The weather cooperated with a sunshine daydream kind of day; by the time the openers took the stage, the fog had burned off. Brief educational speeches came between sets by London Street, G Love and Special Sauce, and the John Bishop Trio. Phil delivered sunny tunes, including Sugar Magnolia, Sugaree, and a lovely Box of Rain.

The Slow Food movement challenges us to contemplate the entire cycle that turns soil, air, and sunlight into the cells of our bodies. To protect both health and social justice, we must take into account the condition of the water supply, the treatment of animals that some of us eat, the nutritional content of our food, the work practices and economics of farming and distribution, the social rituals that surround the preparation and consumption of our meals, and how we dispose of the waste.

The network of music and arts festivals is taking the lead around creating traditions in keeping with this attitude of awareness. Foods for sale at Slow Food Rocks included healthful fare like salmon and organic salads instead of hot dogs and nachos. To meet the guidelines for a “zero-waste event,” packaging was recyclable, reusable, or compostable.

The Rex Foundation supports many organizations working in the intersection of food and social justice. Visit the Rex Foundation site to learn more about the work of grantees such as Oakland People's Grocery, Sustainable Fishery Advocates, Organic Farming Research Foundation, Dinner Program for Homeless Women, and Rock and Wrap it Up.

SF Outside Lands: The Humans are Still Being In

2008-08-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Radiohead's set on Friday, August 22nd, marked a San Francisco first – officially sanctioned live music after dark in Golden Gate Park. Three generations of artists were represented on the roster for the weekend – Steve Winwood, Toots and the Maytals, Tom Petty, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Ben Harper, and Jack Johnson were just a few of sixty-four musical acts. Local and regional restaurateurs served foods ranging from vegan wraps to gourmet sausage, and craftspeople sold their artwork.

Producers asked that sponsors such as Microsoft, Dell, and PG&E participate in ways that accorded with the spirit of the event. The results: an EcoLand where solar panels powered the stage, the vending booths, and a cell-phone charging station; a large circus tent with computers available for audience members to upload their own photos, blog posts, and tweets; and a station for creating and emailing a mix "tape" of mp3s from artists performing this summer at festivals throughout the country.

As I took in the 80 acres of offerings, I couldn't help thinking about an earlier gathering. I was not on the planet to attend the Human Be-In held in the park on January 14th, 1967, but its legend was one of the things that brought me to California. Organizers said that the purpose of that event was to harmonize then-competing elements of the youth movement – people focused on political change and those focused on transforming consciousness. The media coverage brought the world its first eyeful of what came to be called the counterculture. The Outside Lands crowd demonstrated how much some the ideals of those times, like environmental awareness and the revival of craftsmanship, have been accepted by the mainstream.

Rex Jam Report #5 - Gathering of the Vibes

2008-08-11T07:11:00.001-07:00

Gathering of the Vibes
August 2, 2008
Band: New Riders of the Purple Sage
In Support of Bridgeport Central High School Musical Instrument Program.

On Saturday, August 2nd, we had a plan to hold the final Rex Jam of the summer with the New Riders of the Purple Safe (affectionately "NRPS") at 2:30 in the afternoon. Because they were not the first band on the stage that day, and the weather had been extraordinary all weekend, I had anticipated a great event. I have said it before and I'm saying it again... I'm not always right. At about 12:00 on Saturday afternoon, the sun disappeared, the clouds grew heavy and skies opened up. I dare say I can not recall a time where I have been in an "out-door environment" in such a storm. Lighting strikes, thunder claps, strong winds and heavy rain certainly created chaos in Seaside park. As the rain continued in the the 1:00 hour... I began to wonder what was going to happen to the Jam. The music was halted when Alternate Roots was called from the stage. I figure there would have to be some cancellations and was not sure if NRPS would even play. As I stood in the relative safety of my friend's vending booth - I contacted volunteers and asked them to hold tight until further notice... I contacted Harry Moran, our Non-profit contact, for his thoughts... he said to hold tight until further notice... I contacted Toast, manager of NRPS... he said hold tight until further notice. So we held tight.

The rain finally ended and more chaos ensued. What would the new schedule be? Are NRPS palying? Is that other storm going to move in and hit us too? We had "missed" the volunteer meeting, but my folks were waiting patiently. I finally decided to go backstage, as the storm seemed to have passed. Next thing I knew, Toast was telling me they were going on any minute. It was Whiz! Bang! Spring to action! Harry raced me over to the vendor booth to get the buckets and mateirals, I sent a text to the volunteers to come ASAP! Everything seemed to be happening at once, I am ever appreciative to have had Miss Jen there. She has been with us for three Rex Jams this summer, and I relied on her to help gather the troops and give them the low-down because I had not time to meet with them before I made the stage announcement. After the announcement was finished, I rushed over to meet the volunteers with the materials.

I gave out buckets, bags and CDs, as well as my best advice and sent them out into the crowd to wait for the signal. Again - we had more volunteers than buckets, so I did not go out into the crowd. I think it was for the best this time, as I was so frazzled.... fortunately, no one seemed to notice but me. While on stage making the announcement I saw few friends in various locations in the crowd, and they all gave me the "hi" sign. Afterward, they gave me praise for my "performance" and said I looked very composed and natural. I was also ever-so appreciative when Toast told me the band would make some acknowledgment of the song (Garden of Eden) designated for the Rex Jam. Michael Falzarano made a comment to the crowd before the song, and I know that helped.

Beautifully, in spite of the mayhem - the Rex Jam was a raging success (ok, so I was right about something!). I am so proud to say that we raised over $2000 for the Bridgeport Central High School Musical Instrument program. This program is set up to purchase instruments so students who can't afford their own can still learn to play and perform with the band.

I want to say here that being the Rex Jam Representative at so many festivals this summer has been such an honor and a privilege for me. It has brought me such joy I can't even explain it. I have always said that I wish I was rich so I could give money away when I see a need.... I don't have that kind of money - and this is a great substitute (giving away other people's money where there is a need!).

A friend of mine asked me how much money we had raised this summer, and I hadn't really given it much thought - but as it turns out, over the 5 Rex Jams and fund raisers we did this summer, we have raised close to $10,000. It is amazing to me. Yes - your dollars add up quickly people. All it takes is $5.00. Just $5.00.....

Jerry Day: Nourishing San Francisco's Grassroots

2008-08-05T11:08:00.000-07:00

August 3, 2008 was Jerry Day in San Francisco, the sixth annual day of celebration commemorating the life and music of Jerry Garcia. It's one of my favorite summer events – for more than the expected reason. The success of the event is a testament to the power of community spirit in action.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported, "Long before he was lead singer for the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia was a scrappy kid in the Excelsior -- pulling fire alarms, sticking his hands in wet cement, throwing cherry bombs in the Alemany tunnel."

San Francisco changed quite a bit in the 50 years or so since Garcia's cherry-bomb days. His old neighborhood, "hidden" on the south east edge of San Francisco, didn't benefit as much as some SF neighborhoods did from the City's economic upswing.

Rex supporter and Excelsior resident Tom Murphy joined forces with a group of friends and neighbors to improve their neighborhood by renovating and upgrading the Excelsior's Crocker-Amazon playgrounds. Local neighborhood associations, San Francisco parks officials, Garcia fans, parents, kids, and friends all came together around this worthy project. The first Jerry Day all-day concert in 2003 raised $5000 for the playgrounds.

In 2005, San Francisco's Parks and Recreation Department voted to dub the open-air venue located in John McLaren Park "Jerry Garcia Amphitheater." Not nearly as well-known as that other San Francisco Park, McLaren boasts athletic fields, hiking trails, and a golf course; a water tower and reservoir; and an abundance of flora and fauna.

This year's show featured Loco Bloco, Stu Allen and Sandy Rothman Acoustic, Workingman's Ed, and Melvin Seals and JGB. Jerry Day is becoming a tradition. A mellow tribute to Jerry Garcia - and a major triumph for a committed group of neighbors.

Rex helps with an EPIC battle to save the redwoods!

2008-08-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

The recent announcement that Charles Hurwitz and his Maxxam Corporation will no longer be in control of logging old growth forests in Humbolt County is a victory for environmentalists everywhere. Maxxam Corporation engaged in highly destructive logging practices that put old growth forests at greatest risk as well as serous long-term troubles for the local economy. Rex Foundation can feel proud of providing funds for a key leader in the effort to stop the destructive logging practices in the region. The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) received two grants from Rex over the last 20 years to help with organizing and keeping the heat on Maxxam and the courts to protect our forests. With the word that a bankruptcy judge will now be transferring control to Mendocino Redwood Company(MRC), known for more sustainable logging practices, the residents of the area can be assured that economy will continue to thrive while all Californians can rejoice over the protection of our old growth forests.

The MRC Plan comes closest to implementing the standards EPIC advocates for timber management in the Redwood Region. These standards flow from three core principles for timberland management: recovery of high-quality timberland and wildlife habitat for salmon & steelhead and other aquatic, terrestrial, and avian wildlife; recovery of an economy based on these resources and full integration of the region's human communities in these
efforts.

Rex is committed to funding grassroots efforts like EPIC to ensure the preservation of and conservation of our environment. Thank you to all our supporters for helping support this critical work.

Rex Jam report #4 - 10KLakes Music Festival

2008-07-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

10KLakes Music Festival
Detroit Lakes, MN
July 23 - July 36, 2008
Band: Matt Butler and The Everyone Orchestra
In support of the Detroit Lakes High School Band Musical Instrument Program

The Rex Jam at 10KLakes Music Festival was one of the best yet. It was most exciting because the Rex Jam was “born” at 10KLakes, with Matt Butler and the Everyone Orchestra, in 2007. Sandy Sohcot, Executive Director of Rex Foundation, was there last year to do the honors and get the ball rolling. I know Sandy would have liked to have been there this year, but I was really quite honored to stand-in on her behalf. I was glad to be among last year's veterans, with Matt leading the charge, Rex Volunteer Dave Fortescue as my right-hand-man, and Deanna Sinclair or the Detroit Lakes Rotary with her crew of Rotarians and Interact Club students from Detroit Lakes High School.

If you have never seen Matt Butler do his thing, you definitely need to check him out. He masterfully pulls together performers from several bands – in this instance it included Jen Durkin from Deep Banana Blackout and the Micky Hart Band and Kim Manning from The Parliament Funkadelic on vocals, Jannis Wallin from Family Groove Company and Patrice Blanchard from Panjea sharing the duties on Bass, Michael Kang from Panjea and Steve Kimock on guitars, Adam Lasher from Umelt on Keys, Allie Kral from Cornmeal on Fiddle, Johnny Polanski from One Under and Jason Hahn from SCI on drums and Percussion. – and then he conducts them as well as the audience, in this amazing performance of the Everyone Orchestra. Matt Butler is my new hero. He conducts with his whole body. He dances a round to convey emotion to the musicians and the audience, he includes the audience in the performance by encouraging timely claps and shouts, and he writes notes to the performers on a small white-board to tell them who to follow, what key to play, and other intricate things that exuberant body language simply can’t convey. It is a truly amazing thing to witness.

On top of all of that, he incorporated the Rex Jam into his performance. So instead of the typical situation where I get on stage, talk about the Rex Foundation and what the Rex Jam is all about, and then introduce the band – I felt as though I was actually brought in as part of the Orchestra. Matt brought me out on stage in the middle of their set, as he wanted to build the crowd up before I made my appeal. They were still deep in a hot jam and at first I wasn’t sure if I had read his cue right, but really – he’s very clear. So I hung out and sort of enjoyed the jam along with the crowd and the band. Matt brought the jam down and then spoke a bit about Music being a gift and it being an important thing for kids…. I wish I could remember exactly what he said. I’ll get a recording of it and correct this as soon as possible. Then he introduced me and I spoke very briefly, but passionately. Most of my “speech” went out the window, but fortunately I’ve done this enough at this point to know the basics. I tried to keep it short and sweet so as not to interrupt the amazing flow of the set.

This was the first Rex Jam where I didn’t go into the crowd with a bucket, as we already had 11 people out there, and it was a relatively small crowd. However, I just couldn’t sit still – the music the Orchestra was producing was so incredible and I was really high from it. I danced my energy through the crowd and supported the volunteers as much as I was able. I suppose that between Matt, the Orchestra, the volunteers, and me, we made all the right moves. The volunteers collected about $1700 for the Detroit Lakes High School Band Instrument program. We were really to have exceeded last year’s total of $1638.00.

Special thanks should go out to Chryll Sparks, who coordinated so many pieces of this production, and who took such good care of Dave and me while we were at the Festival. Also, to Stucker for his stage announcements and support throughout the day on Thursday and to Dave Wiesman for helping Matt and I connect with plenty of time to compare notes and plans for the event. Yet another raging success and a truly positive experience for all involved. (I think I’m getting good at this…..) ;-)

Rex Jam Report #3 - All Good

2008-07-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

All Good Music Festival and Camp-out
Masontown, WV - July 10-13, 2008
Band: The Bridge (and Medeski, Schofield and Dietch)
In support of University High School and Morgantown High School, music and arts programs.

The All Good Festival provided the Rex Foundation with some amazing opportunities to raise awareness and raise funds. The good folks at Walther Productions were truly supportive of what Rex is trying to accomplish and helped to create tremendous success over the three days we were there.

Instead of just the Rex Jam, Rex also presented
Q&A Collaboration with John Schofield, John Medeski and Adam Dietch, and we staffed the beer service in the VIP "Sky Lounge." as a fund-raiser as well. It was a lot of work, but even so, a good time was had by all.

The Sky Lounge was a new addition to the VIP program this year, and Tim Walther (producer of All Good) offered to let us staff the beer tent and donate some of the sales to Rex Foundation. Along with all of the tip money, it turned out to be a great resource. I had an amazing crew working with me. The picture above shows Darrell, Chuck and Jen hard at work behind the taps. Between the three of them, Butch, Amy and me, we poured beer for 47 hours to some of the most generous group of people I have ever met. These VIPs tipped and tipped... and when they realized that all the tip money was going to the Rex Foundation, it almost seemed as though they tipped even more. On the last day - Jess, a woman who we'd been serving all weekend, who had been tipping heavily all weekend, came over to me, handed me a $50 bill and said, "I think what you're doing is amazing." The beauty of some people knows no limits. I want to extend a very special thanks to all of those who purchased VIP tickets and spent their time with us in the "Sky Lounge". I do hope to see you all again next year!

On Friday afternoon I was to present a special Q&A Collaboration with Schofield, Medeski and Dietch. As soon as I arrived to the Ropeadope Stage, I felt very welcomed. The stage manager, Mario, was right there ready to help me with anything I needed, and as I walked onto the stage, John Schofield offered me his microphone to use (such a gentleman!). I did my speech - a truncated version of the Rex Jam speech - and we set out into the crowd to collect money. I was not overly optimistic, as the crowd was pretty small, but Jen and I persevered. People were slowly arriving to the stage as they heard the music, so we kept at it, and about half-way through the program, Schofield reminded the crowd that we were out there collecting and that they should dig into their pockets... I was so appreciative because it really did spark some more support. I hope to have the chance to say a special thanks to him for that someday soon.

On Saturday, we had the Rex Jam with the Baltimore-based band, The Bridge. I had been unsuccessful in getting in touch with them, and I was a little concerned because they were doing a special 20 minute set wholly dedicated to the Rex Jam. As I made my way to the back stage area, I finally did connect with the guys in the band as well as Mook - the stage manager in that area. Once again - everyone was great. I was more comfortable doing my presentation there, perhaps it's because I had Friday as a "practice run".... I do know that the crowd was really responsive so that also helped. During my presentation, the band heard me talking about the Jerry Jams CDs we are giving away (yours with a $20 donation, while supplies last!) and so they changed their set at the last minute, and opened with a great version of "Get Out of My Life" in honor of Jerry. I was really excited about that for a few reasons... 1) I simply enjoy the song and 2) it was so validating to know that people are actually listening to what I'm saying. So - we only had about 20 minutes (maybe less) to collect, but I had 9 people circulating, the "bar staff" was joined by Molly, Jessica, Mike, Briannan and Luke - while Butch stayed behind to man the taps. We were diligent in our limited time, but we did well. Again, the people were generous and the volunteers were motivated.

By the end of the weekend, combining the collections during the Q&A on Friday, the Rex Jam on Saturday, and the beer Tips - we raised a significant amount of money. I have to say that I have been lucky enough to have found some of the most wonderful people to help with these Rex Jams (and other events), and I think we all feel equally as lucky to be able to say we are part of this amazing adventure.

Here's looking forward to 10KLakes - the home of the very first Rex Jam!

Rex Jam Report #2 - High Sierra

2008-07-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

High Sierra Music Festival,
Quincy, CA - July 5, 2008
Band: Ratdog
In support of Plumas County Save our Schools, music and arts programs.

While the firefighters fought to control the blazes, several thousand people found ways around the fires to make it to the High Sierra Music Festival this past weekend. This was my second time attending the High Sierra Music Festival. I went as a patron in 2002. I had a great time that year, went to a lot of the play-shops, ran into old friends, played for 3 days straight.... This year I had a great time as well, but the experience was wholly different.

This Rex Jam really was Theresa Reed-Hayle's baby. I was not originally supposed to be at High Sierra, but I knew High Sierra is a great festival, and, I all I really needed was a good excuse. Since Theresa was also significantly involved with the production of High Sierra, I figured I'd see if she could help me justify my expense in travel ling all the way to California for the festival. She asked me to help her in the FestivALL (VIP) hospitality area, and of course with the Rex Jam. Theresa and I have been working closely together via phone and e-mail in coordinating the Rex Jams, it is so nice to now have a face and a personal energy to put with the voice and the e-mail. It was awesome to work with her. She worked tirelessly - crazy 20 hour days - and managed to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude. It really was my pleasure to work with her in helping coordinate the Jam.

We assembled our crew and discussed some good tactics for collecting. We knew that the darkness was going to be to our disadvantage, but we had glow sticks ready for the containers. I briefed everyone with my experiences at Mountain Jam and we decided we would start the collection right after Bobby started his set, and then continue collecting as long as we could. The more time in the crowd, the more donations we could collect. Theresa has also arranged for the MCs to talk up the Rex Jam over the course of the weekend, which I know helped keep people aware of what we were doing. Also, we had an incentive item, a "Jerry Jams" 3-CD set - to give to people who donated $20 or more. The Grizzly Radio was playing tracks from it all weekend, between bands. We were 8 or 9 people moving through the crowd - all of whom were friends of Theresa's including her husband and brother - and we were awesome, if I do say so myself!

I had been excited last time, when tallying the donations, but this time was even better. I knew we had done well when after everyone came back, we only had 8 or 9 "Jerry Jams" CDs left. We started out with 100 of them. I seriously almost started to cry as I tallied the containers, each seeming to have more than the last. In the end, we had collected almost $3000 during the Rex Jam that night. I could barely believe it. We were so thrilled... and of course, it only served to inspire us to continue doing better and better as the summer progresses.

Rex Jam Report #1 - Mountain Jam

2008-07-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

Mountain Jam - Hunter Mountain, NY
Sunday June 1, 2008 8:30 pm - w/Ratdog
In support of Family of Woodstock

This was the first Rex Jam of the summer, and my first one ever. I think that, all things considered, it went really well. I organized my crew of volunteers - some people I've known for years, and others I'd really only just met (Thanks to Mollie, Joey, Debi, Jonny Wa, Sam, Susan & Matthew, Ann Marie, Jennifer and Erica!) to help me carry out the collection of funds. Michael Pillot, who was in charge of the Awareness Village, was my contact for the event and he was just great. Easy to work with - and an all around nice guy - he was a tremendous support. So, Michael, if you're reading - thanks!

The first rush came when I stood on the same stage where Govt Mule, Michael Franti, Ratdog, Levon Helm and a ton of great musicians had played that weekend, and gave the appeal to the seven or eight thousand people assembled in front of me (the photo above is of the view from the stage). It was intense. I've never been described as shy, and I have done my share of public speaking, but never to an audience that size. Yes - I was nervous, but I guess I hid it well. People I spoke with afterwards told me I did a great job and marveled at how I seemed so poised and comfortable up there. I just kept reminding myself to speak slowly and clearly... (thanks to Jon and Lisa for their input). Michael Berg, the executive director of Family of Woodstock also spoke, giving some information about the program (follow the link to the website for more about Family). It was nice to not have to be up there entirely by myself.

The second rush came when we were tallying up our collection. Each jug contained a glowstick (to help it be seen in the dark!) and a substantial amount of money. With each bucket, I became more and more excited about what we had accomplished on this first endeavor. I was thrilled to be able to call Sandy with the total that night (more than $750 in only 10 minutes or so). I felt like we had really made a difference.

We raised a nice chunk of change for Family of Woodstock. We also learned a lot about what works well, and what can be done better. We intend to put this information to work to make the next Rex Jam an even greater success.

Rex Jam Report - Summer 2008

2008-07-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Hi! My name is Elyce Turner, and I'm proudly representing the Rex Foundation and bringing a big hello from Sandy Sohcot and everyone at Rex."

This is how I have introduced myself to several thousand people so far this summer, at Rex Jams across the country. The Rex Community Caravan has taken to the festival circuit in order to spread the word about how easy it is to be a philanthropist, and I have had the privilege of being a messenger of that word.

The Rex Jam is a special set of music that is performed by a band who has generously offered to give us special support at a festival. Before the band begins their set, we speak to the crowd to let them know what the Rex Foundation is, what we've been up to, and what we'd like to do on that day. We invite the people to get on board the Caravan, to which we are all connected by our love of music and understanding of the significance of community support, to create a positive difference for a local, grassroots organization which has been chosen by the festival coordinators. We then introduce the band and make our way through the audience with donation containers, asking people to contribute what they feel they can.

It sounds pretty straight forward. It is. We have learned a lot along the way, and we keep learning. There are amazing people involved in these activities and wonderful results from this process. We thought it would be important to share it with you - so keep your eyes peeled for the reports. They start here... now.