Fate Music

JGB: November 17, 1981, Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL

A couple of quick notes about the Jerry Garcia Band @ Uptown Theatre in Chicago, IL, in late 1981.

[note that the Trib appeared to be misspelling it as “Theater” in this timeframe.]

First, it appears the show might have originally been scheduled for 10/29/81.

That would have made it the first show of the tour, but it looks like it was bumped toward the end and held on November 17th.

Second, the Jerry Site has always shown early and late shows for this date. But a listing in the Chicago Tribune from November 15 shows only one show, beginning at 7:30:

Does anyone know if there were actually two shows on this night?

While I am in this time-period, does anyone really believe that the JGB played three sets at the Denver Rainbow on 11/19/81? I don’t.  But I do hope to find out. You’ll be the first to know.

update: Mason Taylor aud listening notes

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11 responses to “JGB: November 17, 1981, Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL”

  1. cryptdev Avatar
    cryptdev

    I was there – one show, two sets as usual.

    Reply
  2. Unknown Avatar
    Unknown

    Great show. Went with Beth Unsinger. We were on the main floor under the balcony. That balcony was rocking, we thought it was going to fall on top of us. Great show. Great time to be alive.

    It was 1 show 2 sets. So much fun!!!

    Reply
  3. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    Thanks for your feedback, Gd Jg. It was sold out, I presume?

    Reply
  4. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    I was in the balcony. I don't believe it was sold out.

    Reply
  5. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    Thank you, anon. Interesting.

    Reply
  6. John Breslin Avatar
    John Breslin

    Several songs from that show were the best solos I ever heard, incl 'how sweet it is,' miss moon' and 'I'll take a melody'. — tape from this show is priceless, despite poor sound quality.

    Reply
  7. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    I am not sure how closely I have listened to it. Thanks for the pointers!

    Reply
  8. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    Actually, I have listened to it. But maybe I should revisit:

    http://jgmf.blogspot.com/2015/03/ln-jg1981-11-17jgballaud.html

    Reply
  9. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    Found another reference to some scheduling weirdness: "The Jerry Garcia Band canceled its entire tour, but Garcia is expected here with the Grateful Dead before Christmas." Chicago Tribune, October 5, 1981, p. illegible.

    Reply
  10. Unknown Avatar
    Unknown

    I was at this show. Afterwards it was always a mess getting out of The Uptown to make our way over to The Green Mill (couple doors down). I saw a few people head out the Fire Escape, and informed my friends I was going to give it a shot…and I'd see them at the bar. As I exited the Fire Escape and began walking down the backstage catwalk out to Lawrence Av., the backstage door flew open and out comes Jerry! I was walking him out to his limo and complementing him on the show…"Hey thanks man, it felt good playing tonight!" I then told Jerry about this legendary jazz bar called The Green Mill and offered to buy him a cocktail…"Hey that sounds great, maybe next time…ok?!!" "Sure thing Jer…see you then." I then proceeded hurriedly into the bar to inform the people I knew what had just happened. Naturally I got the skeptical Dead Head look…but they could tell by my reaction that I had just walked the Big Guy out to his limo and had a quick chat! Uptown Toodeloo…what a great venue!
    -Pat Kennedy

    Reply
  11. Fate Music Avatar
    Fate Music

    That is awesome! I wish he had shown up for that drink.

    Reply

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