A Party Dedicated to the Rain Forests

The Scene: The party Arista Records threw Thursday night in the Wiltern Theatre’s Art Deco lobby for the “Deadicated” album. The benefit recording--proceeds go to the Rainforest Action Network and Cultural Survival--features a spectrum of artists performing Grateful Dead songs. The not-quite-so-dipped-in-acid performers range from Suzanne Vega on “China Doll” to Jane’s Addiction on “Ripple.” “More radio-friendly” is what executive producer Ralph Sall called the cover groups.

Who Was There: About 600 guests, heavy on the low end of the record industry food chain (lots of record store clerks), light on the celeb count (Moon Unit Zappa and Lou Diamond Phillips were pretty much it).

Dress Mode: Very casual. There was a sprinkling of Dead fans who stood out. It wasn’t only their long hair and Guatemalan clothes; they seemed to have been dipped in patchouli oil.

Entertainment: Los Lobos performed “Bertha,” Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) gave a short speech, and Dwight Yoakam sang “Truckin’ ” with the Dead’s Bob Weir. During “Truckin’ ” the power went out for two minutes, but the crowd kept singing the lyrics. “Typical Dead,” said Yoakam.

Money Matters: No estimate was given on how much money will be raised. However, Arista is shipping 200,000 copies and more than 50% of the profits will go to the two environmental charities.

Chow: Selective might be one description. You could drink beer and you could eat Ben & Jerry’s ice cream sticks. The choice pretty much split the room in two.

Quoted: “This is not a political issue,” said Weir. “There’s a fair body of evidence that if the rain forest goes, we go. In my mind, that makes it a human issue.”

What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been: Two barefoot Ecuadorean Shuar Indian musicians in native dress were on hand. They’ve been in Los Angeles since December and will return home soon. “Doubtless with stories to tell,” remarked Weir.

Glitches: Having Los Lobos, Yoakam and Weir perform in the Wiltern’s lobby is like having the Lakers play in the Forum’s parking lot.

Tips on Visiting the Rain Forest: Rainforest Action Network spokesperson Ema Beard said the most effective insect repellent turns out to be Avon’s Skin So Soft lotion. “The stuff’s absolutely amazing,” she said.