Student musicians bring Grateful Dead-inspired concert to show for crisis services

A student band will take the stage tonight at the Grinnell School of Music, performing a full set of Grateful Dead songs in support of Iowa Crisis Intervention Services.

The concert will feature Grateful Dead songs “Friend of the Devil,” “Franklin’s Tower,” “Brown Eyed Women,” “Deep Elem Blues,” “Loose Lucy,” “Not Fade Away,” “Eyes of the World,” “Truckin’,” “Samson and Delilah,” “Bertha” and “Ripple.” Representatives from Iowa Crisis Intervention Services will be present with a QR code for donations and information about support resources.

The project began with Jonah Tillman `26, who said his interest in the Grateful Dead grew out of his father’s love for the band and his coursework with Professor Mark Laver. “Last semester, I took Professor Mark Laver’s Music and Capitalism class, and I was inspired by the Grateful Dead,” Tillman said. “I love improvisational music, and I did a whole project on collective improvisation, what they did and what constitutes democratic playing.”

The concept of “democratic playing” has shaped both the structure of the band and its rehearsal process. Rather than focusing on strict replication of songs, the group emphasizes listening, responsiveness and shared control. “They’re able to do really beautiful work, and they have a really unique way of playing,” Tillman said of the group.

Tillman said the concert also connects to his work as a Grinnell Advocate. “I thought this would be an awesome way to put things together — having an event supporting Iowa Crisis Intervention Services,” he said. Although the event is framed as a performance, he said its broader purpose was to raise awareness and access to resources. 

Some members were recruited through personal connections, while others joined through an email sent just before spring break. “I didn’t see it at first, but when I read it, I was like, I love the cause, and I think it’s a cool idea,” said Sasha Laugen `26, who sings and plays violin in the band.

For drummer Evan Broaddus `26, the collaboration has been a long time coming. “I’ve known Jonah since first year, and one of the things we wanted to do was form a band,” he said. 

Vocalist Sydney Weller `26, familiar with Tillman from their tutorial class, had a similar story. “We were in a music tutorial together, we sat next to each other and I recruited him to play piano for my jazz night set a couple months ago,” she said. “I’m a big fan of improvisation, so I was very honored when he asked me to perform.”

Other members are newer to performing in this context. “I’m definitely the least experienced in the band, but it’s a really good learning experience,” said guitarist Hope Zionts `26. “I’m trying to do the basics but also adapt them to what I’m hearing. Learning how to listen like that has been really exciting.”

Because improvisation plays such a central role in the Grateful Dead’s music, the group has had to develop a strong sense of awareness across instruments. “A big part of it is listening to one another and knowing when you’re overplaying or underplaying, and trying to find balance,” said Felipe Guz Tinoco, instructor of music at Grinnell College and associate teacher at the Grinnell School of Music. “We get better as we play together and get accustomed to each other. That’s a strength.”

That balance looks different depending on the role. “The biggest thing I try to do is just hold a beat,” Broaddus said. “As a drummer, it’s important not to be egotistical. Drums can take up a lot of space. Supporting the band is really important.”

For vocalists, the process involves reacting in real time to what the band is doing. “It can be easier to listen to the instruments and incorporate what they’re doing rather than just doing your own thing,” said Violet McCloskey `28, vocalist.

The performance will also highlight the Grinnell School of Music as a space for student collaboration and learning. “We need more people getting involved with music, and we need people like Jonah to bring the community together and make the music happen,” Guz Tinoco said.

The concert offers students a moment of pause. “The less time we make for music, the more we need it — especially this time of the semester,” Guz Tinoco said. “Take time for yourself, go to a concert, then do your work, but also, take care of yourself and the people around you.”

The Grateful Dead tribute concert is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Grinnell School of Music. Admission is free and open to the public.