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🌹 “I woke today, and felt your side of bed. The covers were still warm where you'd been layin’.”

~Looks Like Rain (Written by Bob Weir and John Barlow), first played live March 21, 1972, at Academy of Music, New York City.

🎤 Interview with Alice

In this episode of China Cat Chat, we sit down with longtime Deadhead Alice — a tour buddy, friend, and part of our extended show-going family. From Colorado to Mexico, Europe to flag football with Bobby (!), this one’s full of heart and harmony.

Watch the Full Podcast Video

Listen to Audio Only Version

🌊 Sunshine, Showers & “Looks Like Rain”

On the beach in Cancún, the four of us were all smiles under the sun…
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But just a few songs later, as Bobby began to sing “Looks Like Rain,” the skies shifted — and yep, it did. The warm rain fell softly as the music swelled, Brittney Spencer’s harmonies drifting through the air like they were part of the storm. It was one of those unforgettable moments where the music, the elements, and the Deadhead spirit all aligned. Pure magic. Pure Dead Ahead.

📜 From the Archives: Jack Straw, Fourth of July

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This wild and wonderful poster captures a truly special night on the Dead’s long, strange trip — July 4th, 1981 at Manor Downs, one of the band’s favorite Texas stops. Designed by beloved artist Micael Priest, it features a skeleton astride a rearing horse, waving an American flag under the Lone Star night sky — pure outlaw Americana, Dead-style.

For Alice, this show was more than just a summer stop — it was the night she truly got on the bus. Hearing the crowd roar along to “Jack Straw / Leaving Texas / fourth day of July” on the actual Fourth of July sealed her fate. That night, the Dead even gave their encore a Texas twist, transforming “One More Saturday Night” into “One More Fourth of July.”

Whether you were there or wish you had been, this poster gallops straight out of the archives and into Deadhead history.

🎵 Straw, Rain, and Jane: Tracks That Tell a Story

This issue's playlist is a nod to Alice’s story, that winds through decades of Dead shows, spiritual awakenings, and even a surprise friendship with Bob Weir — and these tracks capture a few of the musical touchstones along the way. From the electric energy of Jack Straw to the emotional pull of Looks Like Rain, and even a nod to Dylan with Queen Jane Approximately, this playlist offers a glimpse into the soundtrack of Alice’s long, strange trip.

Click to Listen to Playlist on Spotify

💧 Ripple Moment: Weather Someone’s Storm

If someone in your life is going through it — a breakup, a loss, a quiet sadness — reach out. No advice. Just presence. Maybe:

• “I’m thinking of you.”
• “Want to talk?”
• “Let’s sit in the rain together awhile.”

Kindness doesn’t always need sunshine. Sometimes, it looks like rain. NFA 💫

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More soon. Stay kind...

Todd & Michelle

​China Cat Chat​

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💌 Got a Story to Share?

We want your tales from the trail! Whether it’s a recipe from Shakedown Street, a memory from the lot, your all-time favorite show, or just a lyric that’s stayed with you—we’d love to hear it. China Cat Chat is for Deadheads, by Deadheads, and your voice makes this community what it is.

We’re also always looking for folks to interview in upcoming issues. If the music has touched your life in a special way, or you’ve got a perspective to share, drop us a line!

Tell Us Your Story | Be Interviewed