Is it time to reflect yet again? It seems like I just did this well…last month. Actually I suppose it’s time to cogitate not just about what has gone down over the past 30 days but also the previous 350 since this is my final editorial of the year. I’ll tell you what, I’ll punt on the latter (plenty of year in review stuff next month, I pledge) and briefly blather about the former.

Actually it’s been an odd and intriguing month (more on this in January when I think we will have a big announcement about the Jammys, new partners and more…). One of the more curious tasks I faced was turning down a well-intentioned supporter of the site who wanted to send us a check thanking us for all we do. I appreciated the sentiment (and I still appreciate it, Steve) but I said no. However the offer did inspire me to think a bit, and the result is that plans are in the works for Jambands.com to spearhead a new non-profit organization. I expect to have additional info next month but the bottom line will be that if for some reason you want to send us a check in support, we’ll politely express our thanks for your generosity but rather than pad our pockets, we will immediately channel those funds towards a cause that I promise will make us feel better about ourselves and our community. This is something we have been talking about for a while but I think we will finally realize it over the coming weeks.

Until then there is still quite a bit you can do. For instance help support one of the food drives that a number of folks are organizing. There is one in Atlanta run by Panic Fans for Food, my guess is that Strangers Helping Strangers will organize one in conjunction with the Strangefolk shows in Burlington. In addition I bet there are quite a few more out there that I don’t know about yet. What else? Off the top of my head, there is a new double-live disc from last year’s Warren Haynes Christmas jam which absolutely rips, with funds going to Habitat For Humanity. Also, individuals who purchase The Phish Companion will help support a range of organizations related to music in the schools. I know there are many more such opportunities out there, of course- if you have suggestions, recommendation, etc. send them to me this month and maybe we can list them in the January issue.

Okay, that’s it from here. I’m off to join Jeff Waful on Jam Nation. Speaking of which, here’s a photo bonus. Last month I offered up my daughter, this month it’s Jeff Waful, proudly donning his Wetlands & Uncle Sammy gear as Butch Trucks and Jamoie join us in studio.

Have a fine and festive Holiday season. If you can’t take it slow, take it easy/ if you can’t take it easy, take it slow. Later days and peace,

Dean