Shakedown Fun…About the Music!

The lady who set the record straight about Dead & Company, Amanda Best.
Photo by Diane Taylor

I gamble at Tuscany Suites in Las Vegas, and I noticed in recent months that occasionally, lines and lines of young people were on hand, and a sign pointed those young people to “Shakedown.” I had never heard of Shakedown and went on my way. Last week, with a camera in my purse and trouble finding a parking space, I decided to delay the gambling and follow the arrows.

Up the long escalators to the Tuscany’s second floor. I saw a number of hallway booths selling t-shirts, photographs, hats, coasters, sculpture, etc., all very colorful. A young woman, Amanda Best, was carrying a large sign and seemed to smile at me. I introduced myself and asked her what “shakedown” is all about.

She explained the name “Shakedown” comes from A Grateful Dead song, “Shakedown Street” first performed in 1978. Long ago, people who wanted tickets to a Grateful Dead concert started selling hand-made items and food in the parking lots before the concert to earn money for tickets. The concept of pre-show sales grew ad grew among fans and became “Shakedown”.

Today, a younger generation loves “Dead” music and Shakedown continues around the concerts of Dead & Company, a band formed in 2015 with two former members of the Grateful Dead. (Amanda knows the names of all the band members, past and present, and all the artists and photographers who are part of Shakedown.) Dead & Company has a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, and Shakedown Las Vegas has appeared on the weekends Dead & Company appeared at the Sphere. (Last scheduled appearance next weekend.)

OK, so I got the story. The Sphere residency began May 13 and since then, Amanda explained, over 500 small businesses have been a part of Shakedown Las Vegas. Typically, she said, about 120 to 140 businesses from all over the country would be involved any one weekend. The producers of Shakedown Las Vegas are Molly Henderson, Robert Shatzer, with Jay and Lora Solidly.

So I walked down the hallway. The vendors were quite friendly and their goods were popular. I turned a corner and saw a huge room filled with vendors and customers. Wow. I made the rounds and took photos, really a wonderful time. I gather almost all of the vendors travel with the band and though they make enough money to live, they enjoy their life of travel and music and wouldn’t change a thing. (I was told only one of the vendors is from Las Vegas, The Honeypot, with a store in downtown as Vegas.) In one corner of the large ballroom was a small band playing. Later in the Tuscany Piazza Lounge another band was playing to a full crowd.

The people attending Shakedown Las Vegas appeared to be having a great time shopping for souvenirs. (Incidentally a free shuttle bus was available to bring them to the Tuscany.) Even as a senior citizen, I had a wonderful time walking the aisles and seeing so many smiling faces. My photos are below:

The hallway was packed with customers last Friday.
Photo by Diane Taylor
One small camera could not capture the size of the ballroom filled with booths. Here’s just one segment.
Photo by Diane Taylor
Back packs for holiday gifts were available at Shakedown.
Photo by Diane Taylor
Even hand-made dresses were offered as well.
Photo by Diane Taylor
For those who need a show-stopping costume, this one is available
Photo by Diane Taylor
Her family was in the booth behind her but this 10-year-old was selling hand-made crayons.
Photo by Diane Taylor
Yes, there was an official poster for Shakedown Vegas.
Photo by Diane Taylor
These belts were unique and fill out a waistline.
Photo by Diane Taylorr
Some sale items were large; others small.
Photo by Diane Taylor
Anybody need a T-shirt?
Photo by Diane Taylor
This is just one hand-made coaster.
Photo by Diane Taylor
This was the afternoon crowd in the Piazza Lounge. After Dark concerts were promised as well.
Photo by Diane Taylor

Comments

5 responses on “Shakedown Fun…About the Music!

  1. Very good pics and article. You should be a writer when you get older. One question to ask the fans why they adore The Grateful Dead music today. Did you grab a Shakedown creation for your very young brother? T-Shirt XL with Psychedlic Colors would be nice. Maybe with a fish on the shirt would be most appreciated. Anyway this was a entertaining story with super pics that made it have a new Shakedown feel.

  2. I’ve never heard of The Shakedown! Sounds like a cool way to spend an afternoon. Lots of interesting stuff to peruse.

  3. Loved the tour and lovely photos. Thanks again for another adventure. A great combination: writer and photographer. What a gift!

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