Hippie Chick

Acclaimed jam-band and Grateful Dead photographer, Jay Blakesberg, has compiled an excellent collection of photographs, essays, and quotes from hippie chicks all over the United States.  They range over several decades worth of live concerts, mainly Grateful Dead shows. The pictures themselves are beguiling, but the accompanied quotes and mini essays really add depth to this photography collection. There is nothing more awe inspiring then the freedom and devotion of the hippie chicks; they are weightless, dancing, hooping, laughing, swaying with the music and Blakesberg's photographs really make these women shine, they are beautiful inside and out. This collection really plays tribute to the music and the culture that created and sustains decade after decade of hippie chicks. Reading through this gorgeous collection will inspire you to start planning your next live show immediately. As an added bonus there is a wonderful foreword penned by Grace Slick and an afterword by Grace Potter. This gorgeous photography collection is not to be missed.

Fare Thee Well

Deadheads who were unable to attend the 50th anniversary Grateful Dead farewell tour will go nuts over this beautiful coffee table book. Those who were lucky enough to attend the sold out two city tour will also find themselves clambering for this gorgeously photographed memento. Photographer Jay Blakesberg, a lifelong Deadhead, does a wonderful job capturing each night of the tour, outlining the set-list, and highlighting the musicians and the fans in their element. The quality of the photos and the emotions they capture make this book worth every penny. Blakesberg captures shots during rehearsals, on stage, off stage, in the stands, with the fans, as well as some stuning aerial views. For an additional treat, Bill Walton writes the foreword, David Lemieux writes the afterword, and the interspersed essays are by Gary Lambert. All in all it's a magnificent treat for any dedicated Deadhead and an essential addition to every Grateful Dead library.