The Grateful and the Dead - ACE260.3

The Grateful Dead performing in 1967: VO wonders who could have predicted that a "flower power" band could, twenty years later, be supporting the work of neglected British classical composers. Lesh talks about being supportive of good causes back in the 1960s, and how the counter-culture of the time could support and help advance humanity. Lesh VO continues over modern concert performance saying that the Rex Foundation is a continuation of that spirit. Lesh saying that they would like to foment change for the better, in arts and social programmes. VO various images explains that the Rex Foundation has supported numerous causes from the fight against AIDS, drug abuse rain forest issues, etc. Michael Finnissy explains how he agreed that a colleague should send some of his recordings to the Rex Foundation, which resulted in a gift of money, and comments on how much Lesh had enjoyed the music. Finnissy plays his own music; VO Lesh talking about the composer’s English Country Tunes (1977). Finnissy playing Midsummer Morn from English Country Tunes. Attendees at the Rex Foundation Show at Sacramento, California, 1992: Finnissy VO on his view of contemporary music as something that should provoke people and make them think. VO says that some British composers would be amazed to discover the source of the Rex Foundation’s support for their music. Everyone who buys a ticket for a Rex Foundation Show contributes towards support for neglected British music. Deadheads, followers of the Grateful Dead. One of them talks about how wonderful it is that the Grateful Dead are sending donations to classical musicians.