Grateful Dead Fans Support Former Members Facing Medical Challenges
Tom Constanten, the former keyboardist of the Grateful Dead, is currently facing significant medical challenges. His experience reflects a broader issue affecting various former members connected to the band. To support him, two benefit concerts are being organized in the Bay Area.
Details of the Benefit Concerts
The benefit concerts will take place on:
- Date: Monday, December 22, 2023
- Venue: O’Reilly’s Pub, 1840 Haight St., San Francisco
- Time: 8 p.m. (VIP access at 6 p.m.)
- Tickets: $20
- Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2023
- Venue: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Tickets: $30-$80
Community Support for Health Challenges
At 81 years old, Constanten is undergoing radiation treatment for lung cancer. He has gained immense support from the Grateful Dead fan community, with nearly 1,000 contributions to his GoFundMe campaign, approaching a $60,000 target. Constanten expressed gratitude for the support while navigating his treatment journey.
Other notable former band members also require assistance. Candace Brightman, the lighting director for the Dead from 1972 to 1995, is dealing with serious health issues, with her GoFundMe campaign exceeding $80,000. Additionally, Harry Popick, who served as the band’s onstage monitor engineer, faces health setbacks, with ongoing support for his fundraising efforts. Moreover, recent challenges faced by sound engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson have prompted similar community responses.
Musical Collaborations
The upcoming benefit concerts are expected to feature a variety of musicians, including Scott Guberman of Phil Lesh & Friends and other artists affiliated with the Grateful Dead legacy. Performers scheduled for the Ashkenaz event include vocalist Sunshine Garcia Baker and keyboardist Bob Bralove, among others. Notably, several musicians overlap between the two events, offering a chance to celebrate the band’s rich musical history.
The engagement of the fan community highlights the strong bonds formed through music, especially during challenging times. Constanten’s prior associations with the Grateful Dead and its members continue to resonate deeply within the fan circle. As he looks to the future, Constanten remains hopeful for the support he will receive through these concerts.
