A Blast from the Past: Keystone’s Groovy Tunes Revisited

Article Contributed by gratefulweb | Published on Monday, August 28, 2023

It’s not just a concert; it’s a revival. Keystone Revisited, a celebration of the incredible musical synergy between Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders, is set to serenade audiences at The Lariat on September 8, 2023, at 8:30 pm MDT. Featuring a lineup of artists with an intimate connection to the original Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders Band, this is one musical event that fans of the iconic pairing won't want to miss.

The Band Lineup:

    Tony Saunders (son of Merl Saunders, of Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders Band)
    Scott Guberman (of Phil Lesh and Friends)
    Larry Vann (of Jerry Garcia/Merl Saunders Band)
    Stephanie Hartwell Mandella (of JGB)

The Legacy:

Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders first met in the late 60s, introduced by Nick Gravinites and Paul Butterfield. Their musical connection blossomed, culminating in the seminal 1972 album "Live at Keystone." Their friendship and collaboration lasted for decades, even extending to their work on the CBS TV show "The Twilight Zone."
A Personal Journey:

Tony Saunders, Merl's son, began playing bass at the young age of 14. His early musical education came from watching John Kahn and other legendary bassists. By the time he was 17, he had the honor of performing with both his father and Jerry Garcia. Given this background and his innate talent, Tony was the perfect choice to continue this musical legacy.

Keystone Revisited — The Experience:

Expect a show that transcends the music into a mystical experience. Scott Guberman, Larry Vann, Stephanie Hartwell Mandella, and Tony Saunders weave a musical tapestry that pays homage to Jerry and Merl while injecting their unique flair into the mix. As Tony Saunders puts it, “We play the music that Jerry and Merl played and have added flavor to the music without deviating from its roots.”
Additional Details:

    Date: Fri, Sep 8th, 2023
    Time: 8:30 pm MDT
    Venue: The Lariat in Buena Vista
    Address: 206 East Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211

For fans of Jerry Garcia, Merl Saunders, and the irreplaceable magic they brought into the world, Keystone Revisited offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on music that has touched so many lives. With a dream team of musicians who have their own storied histories and connections to the original band, this event promises a magical ride through time and sound. Close your eyes, and you may just feel Jerry and Merl smiling down from the heavens.

For more information and tickets, visit The Lariat's website.

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