August 1st is Swiss National Day
The first of August is celebrated solely in the municipalities. Only one radio and television broadcast of a speech by the President of the Confederation currently in office reminds the Swiss that their cities are united in cantons, which in turn makes the Helvetic Confederation. Thought-provoking words from an eminent cultural or political speaker, songs and music, gymnastic shows and group performances of the Swiss national anthem are the traditional elements of the holiday.
Many municipalities set off fireworks, and these spectacular light shows are often ignited from the mountains and hills. They serve as a reminder of the expulsion of the foreign bailiffs in the 14th century, for the great news was announced in this very way.
So the Swiss like to party on August 1st!! Whatever you are up to today, raise a toast to them! (And here is more about Switzerland, if you want to read a page: the Switzerland Wikipedia
Happy Birthday to Switzerland!
And also, August 1st is an important day for a lot of bohemian and hipster type folks people who love the music of one Jerome (Jerry!!) Garcia, a tremendous guitar player born in San Francisco on August 1st, 1942. Yes, he was an American, but I think I can safely say he had an international appeal. Jerry Garcia was the leader of the good ol' Grateful Dead, whom he played with for 30 years and somewhere around 2300 concerts. In addition, he played another 1117 shows in other bands and combos he lead, playing an incredible 10,294 songs (outside of those played with the Grateful Dead). Over the years Garcia recorded many CDs, ranging from folk, bluegrass, rock and jazz, but imho, his sweetest works were two albums he did with David Grisman (a great mandolinist who at one time played with Stephane Grapelli):"Shady Grove" (a collection of acoustic old English and old blues) and "Jerry Garcia and David Grisman" (and includes songs as diverse as The Thrill Is Gone and Russian Lullaby). Check them out, there is some really good picking on these albums!
Jerry Garcia died on August 9th, 1996, but his music lives on...I hoist one in your memory, Jer! (If you want to learn a bit more about him, check this page out): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Garcia).
PS- whataboutbob- most every GD bootleg is available for free download at archive.org :-)
...William Tell has stretched his bow 'til it can stretch no further more, and lord it may require a change that has not come before...
-Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia/Phil Lesh
