Named after a lyric from the Grateful Dead’s iconic song “Althea”, Easy Jim is an authentic representation of the music that changed a generation.
Easy Jim Courtesy photo
A Beatles “love child” inspired by drummer Ben Wright and bassist/vocalist Kevin Reinert, Easy Jim recreates the original Grateful Dead lineup consisting of two drummers, a bassist, a rhythm guitarist, a lead guitarist, and a keyboardist. Like the Dead, most of the musicians in Easy Jim double as extremely talented vocalists as well.
Hailing from Crested Butte and Gunnison, Reinert and Wright originally formed a Beatles cover band more than 12 years ago that began their musical partnership. During the long commutes between gigs and their remote part of Colorado, Reinert would often put on Grateful Dead concerts to pass the time. Although not initially a huge fan, Wright began to slowly fall in love with the Grateful Dead and became enamored with the elaborate drums and percussion that were the constant bloodline through the Dead’s catalogue.
“The Deadhead spirit is about being in tune with the music”, Wright explained.
As Reinert and Wright’s passion for playing the Dead grew, they quickly found other passionate musicians willing to join their cause. As a result, Easy Jim has quickly become one of the leading Dead cover bands in all of Colorado. Easy Jim touches on the entire catalogue of the Dead from rarities like “Golden Road (To Unlimited Devotion)” and “Cream Puff War” to monster jam vehicles like “The Other One” and “Eyes of the World”. Currently, Easy Jim’s repertoire stretches to over 120 songs.
It’s impossible to go to an Easy Jim show and not leave without tired feet and joy in your heart. As Jerry Garcia would famously say: “There’s nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile”.
However, if you are unfamiliar with the Grateful Dead’s music and their absolutely massive catalog Wright has some advice to new Deadheads and fans.
“Embrace the music as much as you can and dive as deep as you can. It’s very valuable art and people should take advantage of it.”
There is no cover charge for the show this Saturday, March 23 at Tres Litros Beer Company and the dance floor is going to be hot. As Bob Weir once said: “I’m still walking, so I’m sure that I can dance.”
The show starts at 9:00 p.m. and Easy Jim will play two full sets of the Grateful Dead’s music. To find out more information about the band and future tour dates, visit Easy Jim’s official band website here.