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David Grisman and John Sebastian played the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, PA on 10-08-2008.  These two met 40+ years ago in Washington Square in Greenwich Village New York City adjacent to the NYU campus.   Since WWII Washington Square has been a location for folk singers to congregate and perform, it was at one point a breeding ground for very influential artists including the legendary Bob Dylan.

David Grisman recorded many bluegrass and bluegrass-jazz records solo and with the David Grisman Quartet.  He also collaborated with the Grateful Dead’s leader and genius, Jerry Garcia known simply as Garcia and Grisman.  Jerry Garcia is also the one that gave Grisman his nickname “Dawg”, Garcia also named Grisman’s style of jazz-bluegrass “Dawg Music”.

John Sebastian founded the 60’s group The Lovin’ Spoonful which wrote the hits “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Summer in the City” and he also performed at the original 1969 Woodstock.  John Sebastian talked about his dad being a great harmonica player when he was growing up.  John evidently learned well from his father.  John is a very accomplished harmonica player himself and some of his more famous licks were performed with the great 60’s band The Doors including the infectious lines of “Roadhouse Blues”.

This intimate set showcased many songs of each ones career including, obviously, their cooperative collaborations on their new CD “Satisfied”.  The setting was a sit-down show, similar to that of a Bela Fleck – Chic Correa or Bela Fleck and Edger Meyer concert. When someone like Grisman plays an instrument that he has dedicated his life to you notice small intricacies in a quiet live setting that makes you realize just how good he is and how he got to be where he is in his career.  Though it was a quiet setting they made everyone feel comfortable, they told many stories about growing up with their parents including telling their parents about their successful musical careers at a young age when it took their parents much longer to achieve the same successes such as playing Carnegie Hall.  And of course a few stories about the crazy stories of Washington Square when it was at its height of creativity, expression, and anti-war action.

It was a great night and walking out of the show you had the opportunity to meet John Grisman’s wife who tours with her husband selling her paintings of famous musicians.  It makes for a very relaxed show when they try to involve their own family into the show that much.