Shake those bones: Boulder's ready as Dead and Company takes over Folsom

Jun. 16—Dead and Company is returning to Folsom Field at University of Colorado Boulder for a pair of weekend shows. Not only does the latest incarnation of The Dead attract local diehard fans living along the Front Range, it draws thousands of Deadheads from across the country ready to shake their bones.

Equally as thrilling as the concerts is the scene that sprouts up in the wake of John Mayer, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill, Kreutzmann, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti coming to town.

From vending artists to pre- and post-shows and eateries offering Grateful Dead-themed specials, the possibilities of just how one chooses to embrace the patchouli-tinged happenings is vast.

She had rings on her fingers and bells on her shoes

In March 2021, jeweler and longtime music fan Sarah Lewis launched Rose & Bolt — a high-end handmade line, officially licensed, that paid homage to the legacy and influence of the Grateful Dead.

"It's been such an honor and an absolute joy to pair my two favorite things — the Grateful Dead and jewelry, into this collection that is so special and close to my heart," Lewis said. "Sales are great, and I love that through my sales, I give back to this band. This music has given so much to me, inspired me, moved me brightly."

Rumors have swirled about Shakedown Street — the open-air line of creators toting tie-dyes and glassware, commonly found in lots outside of the shows' venues — being a no-go this year due to restrictions implemented by CU.

The Evergreen-based creative has found ways around that. Lewis and several friends have secured booths at Saturday's Boulder Market, located in the Great Lawn of Boulder High School at 13th Street and Arapahoe Avenue, next to the Boulder Farmers Market, where they will be vending from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Other confirmed creatives selling wares at Boulder Market include Little Hippie, Girl Tour, Vintage Dead and Turquoise Moon Art Co.

While she connected with customers online during the pandemic, for Lewis there is no greater feeling than the one that comes when she has an opportunity to meet patrons in person.

"There's nothing like seeing the smiles on my customers faces, shining bright in my creations, finishing the transaction with a big hug and then dancing together at the show after," Lewis said.

From "Steal Your Face" pendants with glimmering abalone shell to "Love is Real" earrings featuring turquoise and opal, the designs Lewis crafts are always assembled with top-quality gems.

Lewis grew up going to Dead shows with her parents.

"The Grateful Dead has always been a part of my life, and I can't remember not knowing the music," Lewis said. "I recall discovering my parents' 'Skeletons In The Closet' CD as a kid and receiving tapes of shows from older friends at an early age. These initially drew me in, but my favorite albums are 'American Beauty' and 'Workingman's Dead.'"

Her memories of attending Dead concerts with her folks are a little hazy, but an experience in the '90s solidified her adoration for the band and touring.

"The first show I really remember — that really sparked my love for the Grateful Dead and sort of set me on my own path as a Deadhead — was Further Festival 1996, at SPAC, in Saratoga, N.Y., when I was 12. So I sadly just missed Jerry (Garcia), or remembering seeing him at least."

Lewis continues to travel across the country, letting live music be her guide.

"Over the years, I've seen hundreds of shows, of all the incarnations, side projects and cover bands, including JGB, Phil & Friends, Ratdog, the Dead, Billy & the Kids, Dark Star and of course Dead & Company," Lewis said. "I love what John Mayer brings to the band."

Lewis also stays busy with her main brand Hiouchi Jewels.

After this weekend's Boulder shows, Lewis will head to nine more Dead & Company shows where she will vend. (Her full schedule is listed below.)

"Throughout my life, I've made so many connections and friendships, and received so much love and support, through the Grateful Dead community," Lewis said. "The love of this music that we share is such a special bond. And having Rose & Bolt has really amplified that because it's connected me with so many new, wonderful Deadheads."

The music never stopped

As frontman of Crick Wooder, a Grateful Dead tribute band, Shawn Cunnane has certainly embraced the catalogue of the influential group that emerged from San Francisco's scene in the '60s.

He will play a pre-show at the newly opened Velvet Elk Lounge Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m.

"I am performing a two-hour, non-stop, Grateful Dead-laced acoustic-looping show — mostly Dead tunes with a couple other treats," Cunnane said.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

"I am really looking forward to being part of the amazing energy that happens in town before the shows," Cunnane said. "Folks are coming in from all over the country anticipating the setlist. I also hope to see some out of town friends from the west coast coming into Boulder."

Reunions among fans are extra special, given the COVID-filled times that have sprung up over the past few years.

"The amazing song book and the honest sound sparked my love of the Dead," Cunnane said. "They are the epitome of Americana. It sounds cliché, but the first time I heard 'Skull & Roses' and 'American Beauty' I was hooked. The freedom in their improvisation and the depth of the messages in the lyrics are a pretty potent combination."

Cunnane has fond recollections of the analog years.

"One of my favorite memories of getting into The Dead was sharing audio cassettes with the set lists written on the cases," Cunnane said.

After he wraps up his set at Velvet Elk Lounge, Cunnane will head to Folsom Field.

"I will be attending the shows with my wife, and we are very excited to see Bobby and the gang," Cunnane said.

While some fans aren't thrilled to see Mayer singing the songs of Garcia, for Cunnane it's nothing but love.

"I think John Mayer does an outstanding job. He had to step into shoes that are impossible to fill, and I think he gets way too much criticism. He is super professional, a great singer and a stellar improviser. I have no complaints."

Cunnane has formed strong bonds with fellow fans.

"The most rewarding aspect of being part of the Dead community is the people," Cunnane said. "I've been part of this organism all over the country — both coasts and now smack-dab in the center. I've made friends and music everywhere because of the Grateful Dead."

The bottle was dusty, but the liquor was clean

In 1972, the Grateful Dead played Folsom Field for the first time. The Hill is filled with watering holes where fans can grab a burger or a pint. Business owners expect a number of patrons over the weekend.

"They are always very festive and well behaved," said Mark Heinritz, owner of The Sink. "It's such a great crowd. Impact-wise, it is one of our biggest weekends of the year."

Extra preparations are made to accommodate the influx of Deadheads.

"Having been through it a few times, we have figured out how to approach the weekend," Heinritz said. "We do increase the staffing and bulk up our purchasing. It is a beer-loving crowd. We will extend our hours and have pizza slices along with bar sales after the show."

The Sink is planning to serve up themed food and drinks in honor of Dead and Company's return to Boulder.

"Look for the Ramblin' Rose and Cosmic Charlie cocktails," Heinritz said.

Heinritz is also quite a big fan of the band.

"I started my Deadhead ways a long time ago, seeing my first show in 1980 at the Hartford Coliseum and countless shows since," Heinritz said. "It certainly has been the soundtrack of my life."

Throughout the weekend, diners at The Sink may likely hear "Truckin'" "Sugar Magnolia" and "Uncle John's Band" come through the speakers.

"I'm so glad that the music lives on and has found a new generation of fans," Heinritz said. "We can't hear the music from here, but it will be on regardless."

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Rose & Bolt's vending tour

Dead & Co.

6/28 Noblesville, Ind.

6/29 Clarkston, Mich.

7/1 Bethel, N.Y

7/2 Foxborough, Mass.

7/5 Hartford, Conn.

7/6 Saratoga, N.Y.

7/10 Philadelphia, Penn.

Phish

7/14 Mansfield, Mass.

Dead & Co.

7/15 New York City

7/16 New York City

Phish

7/19 Philadelphia, Penn.

7/20 Philadelphia, Penn.

7/22 Bethel, N.Y.

7/23 Bethel, N.Y.

7/24 Hartford, Conn.

7/26 Wantagh, N.Y.

7/27 Wantagh, N.Y.