Come to Take His Children Home: Review of Webster, April 1, 2022 at Venkman’s.

Joy is the first word that comes to mind when describing the Webster band’s performance Friday evening. I knew Webster would be an enjoyable experience, but the parking situation and back-to-back noisy hipsters had dampened my mood a bit as I arrived. However, it didn’t take long to pick out some tie-dye music friends in the crowd and then to find the Z-Man, grooving behind the camera, who always adds an extra degree of cool to the vibe of the room.

But it takes more than that to create joy, even if the band is covering mostly Grateful Dead music. And Webster did create joy. Here’s how:

First, they clearly enjoy what they do, and they love their audience. I love Diane’s smile as she’s playing, and the energy accelerated until even the hipsters were rollicking along. 

Second, if you are playing Dead, don’t mess around with this sacred musical text (unless you are Magnolia Express, in which case you get a pass in honor of Jerry’s early banjo playing). Webster didn’t. Ship of Fools, Walk the Dog, and Shakedown Street were particularly popular with the audience and true to form.   

Third, bands that play Grateful Dead songs have to be more than just skilled executors of the music. They have to understand what it’s all about. This was apparent in the bonus tunes that were played: Good Love (because, isn’t that redundancy what it’s all about?) and one I have never heard another band do: Long Time Gone. This song was one of two highlights of my evening, as it really caught what I was feeling in the little community that had formed on the dance floor as the night went on. 

Turn and hear to what your friends and neighbors might have to say
Something, something, something's goin' on around here

The 60’s may have lost their way, and it really has been a long time gone and a long time coming to peace, love, and music. However, I saw signs around me that it’s not too long before the dawn – at least among those who hear the tune. 

Which leads me to the apex of a great evening and my favorite song of them all: Uncle John’s Band. If any song captures what the Grateful Dead were all about, to me, it is this one. Everyone in the up-front crowd seemed to know the words and we all sang and danced together– it was one of those magical moments full of all good things in the air when you just lose yourselves in the song together. Those are the moments I live for. 

Like the morning sun we come, and like the wind we go, but while we’re here music reminds us to celebrate being alive and to find joy in community with other music lovers. It was one of the best times I’ve had in a long time.

Although we don’t have Jerry with us anymore, some bands are able to channel that same joy that comes from being in the musical realm with like-minded others – doing our own thing on the dancefloor but doing it all together – the human equivalent of a tie-dye kaleidoscope. Webster is one of those bands, and they will be on my regular attendee list. 

Byron Alterman lead guitar, vocals Bill Chanler rhythm guitar, vocals Diane Rabson keys, vocals Roger Krystopos bass guitar Jay Smith drums