“Jerry and Bob walked on stage, picking up their instruments. The band members looked at each other, and then broke into the funky low-down rhythms of “Shakedown Street.” It was a good surprise for Rowen and he stood up with all the others letting the guitar grooves and the piano notes bend his knees. The band sang, encouraging everybody to find the heart of the city, by just looking around. The music enveloped Rowen. He was cool. It was fine. He watched Bobby’s wrist moving like a steady metronome. The room between the seats began to widen and Rowen let his feet swivel back and forth, feeling the whole audience. It was this kind of groove that he came for and the wah-wah flavors of Jerry’s guitar tempted him further”

Original excerpt from Birdenwheel by Lindsay Anne Rice

#deadhead#gratefuldead#birdenwheel