I happened upon this reference of a tape of 07/27/67 at the Merry Prankster History Project web site (http://www.pranksterweb.org/). I asked the site owner, Rick Dodgson, for the poster's email address and, understandably, he declined but said that he would foward my request to Hillel. Anyone else aware of this tape?
Hillel Resner: "I can't believe Kesey is gone. I always thought of him as immortal, permanent...sort of a head on the Mt. Rushmore of the '60s (you can imagine the other heads yourself.) I never actually knew Kesey, though I crossed his path frequently back then. I and some fellow-travelers ran a dance emporium on Haight Street from '66-'69, called the Straight Theater. And one of the most memorable events that ever transpired there (and there were many, believe me) was the Grateful Dead's performance on our opening night in July, 1967. The Dead, as always, were their electric Kool-Aid selves... but what made it so memorable, was the sudden appearance from the audience of Neal Cassady, who took the stage while the band was in the middle of "Love Light" (at least I think that was the song--someone else who was there may remember it differently.) While the band riffed the song's main chords behind him, Neal (shirtless, sweat glistening on his body) proceeded to deliver a soliloquy as only he could--the most amazing stream of consciousness rap that seemed to go on for half an hour, thoughout which the band simply strummed and noodled and jammed, while Neal plugged into his memories, visions and observations of the passing scene. We stll have the tape, and it puts me right there whenever I hear it. I don't think Kesey was on stage that night, but I'm sure he was there, doing what he did best--encouraging people to let it all hang out. Peace, Kesey--you are now Further than the rest of us...but we'll catch up with you down the road"
