Latvala!

Dick Latvala’s Famous Blue Binders have 532 shows, 2,324 Red Stars, 81 Thunder Skull Awards, 21 Brain-Frys, 26 ‘tantalizing’ musical moments, 50 instances where the show was considered as a ‘treat,’ and 67 times when jams got ‘tasty.’ Not to mention Dick’s personal thoughts, selection of highlights, and “Best Ofs.” The enthusiastic commentary section has over 56,000 words.

The setlists come from “Listen To The Music Play: A Comprehensive and Interactive Guidebook to the Set Lists and Performances of the Grateful Dead”

1) Not all of Dick’s tapes were complete. The songs that are on the setlist but not on Dick’s notes have strikethrough font.

2) The songs Dick marked with a *red star* are bold. Furthermore, the red star songs are moved to the column on the right.

3) Thunder Skull Awards – shows that Dick really enjoyed – are labeled.

4) “Received by Dick” is the date when Dick got the tape. He didn’t date all of his tapes. “Tape Source” is where the tape came from – not necessarily the taper. “Review Entry Date” is when Dick made his journal entry.


This is another method to get into the music of the Grateful Dead! Dick Latvala was truly the band’s Smithsonian, Shakespeare, and Headiest of Saints.

I became a fan of the band because of the man: Dick Latvala.
Thank you Carol. . . both of them.