We're big supporters of Head Count, which is a nonpartisan group registering voters at shows. If you're not registered, we urge you to do so - and vote; it might be your last chance.

Go to www.headcount.org

Here is a new podcast interview by Dusty from Dusty Wright's CultureCatch.

Take a listen to this free and easy 45-minute sit down at Bob Weir's home from a few weeks ago.

Welcome to our new website.

This development kinda parallels what's happened to the Dog in general. When we started the RatDog site several years ago, it was the part-time responsibility of one person, and got only a limited amount of energy. Over the past three-four years, RatDog has gained a great deal of momentum, both onstage and out in the audience, and this new, buffed-up site is evidence of that.

Several people will now contribute to it, and lots more developments are expected over the next few months - stay tuned. And if you have ideas or suggestions, share them with us at webnerd@rat-dog.com.

It's official; our fearless chief Senor Weir is no longer The Kid. Where did the time go? Although he wasn't personally all that excited about his 60th birthday, he was willing to let it serve as a hook for the annual fundraising event of the Rainforest Action Network, one of his favorite causes.

It was definitely uptown - beautiful dressed folks spending money on a variety of auction items at San Francisco's Design Galleria - but when the music started, it was all about the funk.

Tea Leaf Green, with Trevor Garrod on keys and vocals, Josh Clark on guitar and vocals, Ben C. on bass and vocals, and Scott Rager on drums, opened with 45 sizzling minutes. Trevor’s lead singing and Josh's ripping guitar continue to be incredibly impressive.

"All Along the Watchtower" ratcheted up the energy level as TLG was joined by friends - Bob Weir and a certain smiling drummer fresh from Hawaii, Bill Kreutzmann. The Band's "Don't Do It," and then the "Other One," and the place was hot. A new keyboard player slid on to the bench, all beard, glasses, and hat - and turned out to be Sean Lennon. And Trevor went out front and, backed by a fascinating band, ended the 'first set' with a raging "Oh Yeah." Beatlemaniacs, rejoice.

A brief pause, as RatDog's production maestro Chris Charucki supervised some stage changes, and new guys came out to play; Robin Sylvester on bass, Harper Simon (of the NY Simons), Sean Lennon on guitar and vocals, Jay Lane on drums, Kenny Brooks on saxophone, and Bob Weir on the usual. After the obligatory cake presentation by our estimable hostess, Ms. Natascha Weir, the band achieved liftoff with "Eyes of the World." Heard backstage: "I'm willing to bet Sean Lennon never played 'Eyes' before yesterday's rehearsal..."

Sean Lennon's "Headlights" followed, then "West L.A. Fadeway," and, with Bill Kreutzmann back to join Jay - where did they get the idea of two drummers? - the band concluded the festivities with the official rock and roll "song we all know," "Not Fade Away." Niiice birthday party.

RatDog spent a hot week-plus with the Allman Brothers Band in August and had a lot of fun, including having Gregg working on "Lovelight" with the boys, and discovering that the two bands together made a one hell of a package - big fun for the bands and both audiences.

Most of the band went home - Bob went off on an environmental adventure to Norway, but more on that in the future.

It's been a nice September in the Bay Area, and most of our news has been about Mark Karan sightings. There's not much hair under the cowboy hat, but he's had a nice grin on his face while sitting in with the New Riders, Phil & Friends, and with Bob at the closing of the Sweetwater. Bob also sat in with Donna Jean and the Tricksters there, adding yet more musical memories to a place already full of them.

And this just in - if you're curious about RatDog's version of the National Anthem at Fenway Park in August, go here!

The Dog will run again on October 26th at Hampton Beach Casino - see you there, we hope.

Remember: In Dog We Trust

Moe from Moe's Train's Tracks sat down to do an audio interview with Bobby Weir while covering Bonnaroo for his podcast.

The interview (audio and transcript) can be found here.