Heady US Presidents, Bob Weir at Inaugural Balls
Jefferson Airplane Members at The White House
Relix Daily
February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026
Presidents’ Day from the Relix Archives
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“It began with the Allman Brothers,” producer Chris Farrell explains, as he traces the origins of the new documentary film, Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President. “I was researching and working on trying to find financing for an Allman Brothers documentary, and a guy in Atlanta—Todd Smith, who’s a finance guy— said, ‘Listen, I’m aware of all these stories about Jimmy Carter with the Allman Brothers and other musicians, and I’d like you to come down to Atlanta and meet my partner, Tom Beard.’ He served in the Carter White House along with Peter Conlon, who was a national fundraiser for Carter later in the White House years. [Conlon is also a veteran concert promoter who went on to co-found Atlanta’s Music Midtown and head up the Live Nation Atlanta regional office.]
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Fare Thee Well: Grateful Dead alums Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart took the stage together to celebrate the Dead’s 50th anniversary, along with Trey Anastasio, Bruce Hornsby and Jeff Chimenti. Relix produced three daily programs for the event and the July 3 edition included a special salute from President Barack Obama. The President contributed a message of congratulations to the band and supplied a photo from a moment in which Weir, Lesh, Hart and Kreutzmann had visited the White House with their families. President Obama’s message reads as follows: “Here’s to fifty years of the Grateful Dead, an iconic American band that embodies the creativity, passion and ability to bring people together that makes American music so great. Enjoy this weekend’s celebration of your fans and legacy. And as Jerry would say, ‘Let there be songs to fill the air.’”
The design features a bold parody of the classic Uncle Sam recruitment poster, pointing directly at you with the immortal question: “Can YOU Pass the Acid Test?” Just as the original cards were handed out at those legendary parties in San Jose and San Francisco, where the Grateful Dead first took the stage, and the Pranksters blurred the lines between art, music, and communal experiment, this shirt invites you to carry that same spirit of curiosity, rebellion, and play wherever you go.
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Today’s Presidential flashback takes us to January 20, 1997 at the Washington Convention Center where California, Hawaii, Alaska celebrated their inaugural ball for the re-elected President Clinton. Bob Weir & RatDog performed that night with special guest Rickie Lee Jones.
Unleash a world of creativity with the Shashibo Grateful Dead collection: shape-shifting cubes powered by 36 hidden magnets that transform over 70 mesmerizing forms. Designed by artist Andreas Hoenigschmid, this unique collectible is more than a puzzle; it’s a tactile tribute to the improvisational energy of the Grateful Dead. Shashibo delivers a hands-on experience that blends art, geometry, and mindfulness. With its high-quality design, magnetic magic, and soothing, sculptural movement, it’s no wonder fans love the Shashibo for sparking creativity and offering moments of zen.
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FROM THE VAULT: “Love You Forever” - The Young Presidents ft. Blondie Chaplin, Live From Relix in 2011
Blondie Chaplin joins The Young Presidents for “Love You Forever," from their album Coalition.
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When Nixon was president, Tricia organized a tea at The White House for Finch alumnus and an invite arrived at Slick’s parents’ house under her maiden name, Grace Wing. The invitation also allowed for a guest, so Slick invited political activist Abbie Hoffman. The plan, says Slick, was to spike Nixon’s tea with LSD once inside.
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Revisit Weir and Rob Wasserman’s appearance at the 1993 Inauguration, where they performed Little Willie John’s blues classic “Fever.”
