LEFFLER: ‘Monday is Dead’ is actually quite lively

I feel guilty — or somewhat silly — admitting this but until a week ago, I had never stepped foot in the Buffalo’s famous Tralf Music Hall.

I’d walked (or ridden) by it probably hundreds of times, but I’d never taken the opportunity to walk into the iconic Main Street venue. Last Monday, though, I went in to partake in “Monday is Dead,” a relatively new weekly event taking place at the Tralf.

See, every Monday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. the Tralf celebrates all things Grateful Dead beginning with an airing of a Grateful Dead performance or Dead-related film. Then at 7 p.m. some of Buffalo’s best musicians get on stage and jam. Typically led by one or two musicians, the on-stage product changes from week to week. Last week was “The Grateful Dans” — along with an eclectic mix of musicians joining in to play about 90 minutes worth of jams.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the Grateful Dead. I consider it to be great background music. But I’ve never been into “the scene.” So I went mostly to get out of the house and enjoy a libation or two.

The Tralf is spectacular. The nicely stocked bar carries a wide selection of domestic and craft beers in addition to whatever spirits one might want. It has a very decent bar menu, although the kitchen is closed on Monday nights — kind of a shame when you consider some of the crowd probably has the munchies all the time.

The music was perfect. And the musicians were spot-on — especially considering they aren’t used to playing with one another. Want proof? Check out this YouTube video of “The Grateful Dans” and company jamming to “The Weight” (a.k.a. “Take a Load Off (F)Annie.”)

In short (too late?), if you have even a remote fondness for the Dead, get to the Tralf one of these Mondays (why not tonight?) and take in a show. There’s no cover and many of the drinks are buy-one-get-one before 7 p.m.

I know I’ll be back.

RELATED LINKS:

• Monday is Dead photo album from Oct. 10, 2016
• “The Weight” performed by Grateful Dans and friends Oct. 10, 2016

+Scott Leffler founded All WNY Radio in 2006 to offer more exposure for the talented musicians in Western New York. Occasionally, he may pen a column discussing one of them. Follow him on Twitter @scottleffler.