dead derby weekend bullets.

It’s a busy day. Here’s a few bullets for you:

• I’ve been a little slow getting cranked up for our Dead show tomorrow night in Philly, but a night talking with Yohe about music, combined with a little time listening to shows from the last couple weeks, has me ready to go. The post-Garcia version of the band has always been about getting away from the “rules” that GD fell into in its last 15 years; the latest incarnation of the band takes that even further. The show in East Rutherford a couple days ago? Opened with U.S., slid through a Scarlet>Fire and closed the first set with Lovelight. For those of you who don’t speak the language, I offer this explanation: That never would have happened in the old days. So: setlists turned inside out, songs that Garcia didn’t want to deal with and, best of all, a band that sounds really hot at the moment. Friday night’s going to be fun.
• I’m hoping a stop at Victory Brewing on the way to Philly will help make the trip that much more enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what they have there that I can’t get here.
• Look for a guest appearance by me at Father Spoon’s beer blog, Hump Day Happiness, coming soon. I ain’t telling what we’re doing, but it should be fun. Do not miss it.
• A couple weeks ago, AA spent a pretty good deal of time telling me how jealous she was of our trip to Athens. I get to return the favor this weekend, as she travels to the Kentucky Derby, escorted by Looavull native Calipanthergrl. Jealous? Me? Oh yes. The fuzzy memories of my Derby experience, in 1990, get fuzzier every year, and I need to go back soon. I’d be ecstatic if there was a way they could bring me back a mint julip. But I’d be more than happy to settle for a julip glass.
• Although we’re going to be traveling, I will have my Derby pick — and, I hope, that of Mrs. Crappy — posted here on Saturday morning.
• I would remiss be if I didn’t offer this reminder: We’re walking for the March of Dimes a week from Saturday. I’m hoping I can count on Uncle Crappy’s readers to help us reach our $200 goal. If you’d like to help, you can make a secure donation here. Thanks, yinz guys.