New York (got the ways and means)

New York - got the ways and means, but just won't let you be (Truckin', Robert Hunter)

It’s hard to describe why anyone would make the trip to New York just for 2 gigs.

First (unless you are speaking to another Deadhead) you have to describe what is so special about a live performance of the Grateful  Dead’s music.  (I.e. the songs, the jams, the dancing, the audience ...and the magic and sheer joy that explodes when these four come together). Then (to a DSO virgin, anyway) you probably have to explain what is so good about the Dark Star Orchestra (why Jeff Mattson is the perfect guitarist for this material, why Lisa sings as good as Donna Jean did, why the drums/space sections are more interesting etc  etc). Then, unless you’re super-rich, you have to justify the expense.

Finally, in my case, you have to explain that you got a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in a hip this summer and are worried that soon your boogieing days may soon be numbered. And that, when you were blown away by DSO last year in London you made a silent promise to yourself to see them again – in the absence of any European tour then in the States. And, finally, that you have a very understanding wife who is prepared to trade this for birthday and Christmas presents for the next several years. I don’t even have to play the “you’ve had Forest season tickets for umpteen years” card! (Can save that one for later!)

To assuage my conscience for this splurge I find the cheapest flights available and get to and from London (by train and couch) for the princely sum of £35. In NY I use the Metro ($7.50 each way) to get between JFK and Manhattan, and live on bread and water while there (not really).

For hotels it’s got to be the pricey Midtown area - partly because C is does not want me getting mugged in the middle of the night in New York and partly because I feel the same way. But I book the cheapest 3* hotel I can find that is reasonably close to the venue. 

The fact that it's New York isn't so exciting as this will be my third visit - plus I'm not going to over-indulge in any exhausing sight-seeing. Or risky ice-skating (even though the idea of outdoor skating in NY was partly why I bothered to learn 2 years ago.) 

I'll be saving my energy for the gigs!