The Stolen Faces: 7 Years of Grateful Monday
The Stolen Faces: 7 Years of Grateful Monday
Grateful Monday has been a crucial component of the programming here at Acme Feed & Seed. Every Monday night, Dead Heads and jam band lovers come together to enjoy 4 hours of live music from 7 to 11 PM. The crowd that forms on the first floor on Mondays is brought together by their shared love of the Dead, but this community is anything but exclusive. Eager to accept any and everyone, even those who aren’t Dead experts. Under the Acme disco ball on a Monday night becomes a place of unity, where the love for music overtakes any room for judgment.
But, of course, we couldn’t do it without the amazing bands, both Hooteroll? and The Stolen Faces, who alternate each week to bring the live entertainment on Grateful Mondays. This Monday, February 7 we will be celebrating 7 years of Grateful Monday with a live performance from non-other than The Stolen Faces. In honor of the occasion, we spoke with Christian Grizzard, the bass player, to talk about the formation of the band, what makes Grateful Mondays so special, and some of his favorite Grateful Dead song recommendations.
7 Years of Grateful Monday
Interview with Christian Grizzed from The Stolen Faces
Can you give a little bit of history about the formation of The Stolen Faces?
Christian: The idea to start a Grateful Dead band originated in the Fall of 2013 during a jam session playing songs with fellow Nashville musicians Jamie Rogan, Will Harrison, and Brent Cundall. We played our first show in May 2014. Since then, the band has had several different lineups. The current lineup is Christian Grizzard (bass, vocals), Jeff Malinowski (guitar, vocals), Ben Sparaco (guitar, vocals), Matt Martin (drums), and John Wallum (keys, vocals).
What is the idea behind the name ‘The Stolen Faces’ ?
Christian: Our band name is from the Grateful Dead lyrics “Steal your face right off your head”, from the song “He’s Gone”. “Steal Your Face”, is also the title of a 1976 live album, and the iconic Grateful Dead logo later became known as a “steal your face”, or “stealie”.
How long has the band been performing in Nashville?
Christian: Over 7 and a half years. Our first Nashville show was on July 10, 2014 at Soulshine in midtown.
Grateful Mondays have been happening for 7 whole years now. Is there anything about playing here at Acme that you love or is unique compared to the other venues you’ve played at?
Christian: Since our first Grateful Monday show on Feb 23, 2014, Acme Feed & Seed has become our Nashville home. We love the staff, the atmosphere, and the fact that we get to play Grateful Dead music on Broadway!
What is so special about the Dead Head community?
Christian: Definitely the family atmosphere. And the importance of being kind to one another, which our larger community could probably use more of.
Why do you think continuing to honor this legacy is important?
Christian: The Grateful Dead created one of the greatest American songbooks of all time and performed them with an improvisational spirit similar to Jazz. They never played any song the same way twice. To us, it’s as American as music gets. We feel honored to be one of the many bands interpreting this amazing songbook in our own way. Seeing so many young people singing along at our concerts shows how much this music is being passed from generation to generation. It is truly a wonderful thing to be a part of!
What are some of your favorite songs to perform?
Christian: Our song list is well over 200 songs at this point, and my favorites seem to change from show to show. Currently, I’m enjoying performing “Till The Morning Comes”, “Operator”, “He’s Gone”, and “Crazy Fingers”.
For people who aren’t full-fledged Grateful Dead lovers just yet, what are some songs you would recommend to get them hooked?
Christian: “Jack Straw”, “Candyman”, “Cumberland Blues”, “Loser”, “The Wheel”, “Unbroken Chain”, “Black-Throated Wind”, “The Music Never Stopped”, and “Throwing Stones”.
The Stolen Faces on Grateful Monday, 2015. Credits: Butch Worrell.
The Stolen Faces
Watch The Stolen Faces play live this Monday, February 7 at 7 PM here at Acme Feed & Seed with beer specials provided by Monday Night Brewing and Terrapin Beer Co. If you’re not able to attend, listen to the live broadcast on Acme Radio Live below.