Well I suppose that this is something of a Grateful Dead month at jambands.com. I think it's important to recognize the influence the Dead had, and continue to have, not just on a number of musicians within this scene but to the listeners as well (if you haven't heard the Dead in a while- sample some of the recent Vault releases- powerful stuff, there was an emotional charge to the group's music which I would welcome in more jam bands nowadays). We're psyched to have interviews with Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart, along with David Gans' thoughts on the new So Many Roads Box Set he helped to put together. We also have Phil and Friends coverage as Jeff Mattson of Zen Tricksters talks about his experience with the group and Steve Kimock (of KVHW, check them out on the east coast in early December) speaks a bit about his experience. BTW, in terms of Kimock's departure from the group, I think the most important thing that came out of my conversation with him, is that it wasn't about musical differences. He enjoyed playing with Phil, and is proud of the music he crafted- that's the most essential information from my perspective.

Moving on to the site itself, you can see our new design- the product of Sarah Bruner's vision (and which promises to evolve further over time). I think it makes the site much easier for people to use, enabling everyone to see how much we have to offer. Along those lines, be sure to visit Box Scores, our daily setlist feature (painstakingly created by David "Zzyzx" Steinberg, so I direct my kudos to him as well). It's one of the first things I do every morning, as I sip my first cup of coffee (sorry Jesse, no Ovaltine for me). Oh and that's not it- The Disco Biscuits manager Chris Zahn has come on board to offer the first of a series of manager's interviews- I think you'll find Jon Topper's comments frank and informative. There is also much, much more to come. We are talking to all sorts of people about adding new, funky features to the site. Check back here next month I bet I'll have an announcement to make.

Until then, go out and enjoy some music (baby girl willing, I'll do the same...)