Grateful Guitars Foundation Marked a Landmark Halloween at the Fox Theatre with Dueling Guitar Gifts

Alex Jordan & Friends, joined by DSO’s Jeff Mattson, Rob Eaton, and Skip Vangelas with Brad Rhodus and Jerry Saracini, delivered a full recreation of 10/31/83 from the Marin Veterans’ Auditorium at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City drawing a well-costumed audience to this expansion of the Peninsula’s favorite Dead night.

After taking in a session with authentic Grateful Dead gear on display from GGF Founder Andy Logan’s private collection, the musical night opened with a rare acoustic set by Jeff Mattson, performed on Jerry Garcia’s Martin D-28, loaned from this same private collection. From there, the all-star ensemble moved through the 1983 set with a big and spirited energy.

At set break, GGF presented DSO bassist Skip Vangelas a handcrafted replica of “Big Brown,” built by the luthier team over at Rick Turner Guitars and surprised bandleader Alex with his own “Wolf” replica gift from Andy Logan’s private collection.  In recognition of these gifts of gear and in support of youth music education, GGF presented a $5,000 check to San Francisco’s Blue Bear School of Music. The funds will bolster Blue Bear’s music education programs across the Bay Area.

Thank you to everyone who came out in support of Grateful Guitars Foundation, you make every gift possible.

Photographs by Jay Blakesberg and Bob Minkin