SUMMER JAM AT WATKINs GLEN
THE DOCUMENTARY
Sam Cutler and Bunky Odom worked closely with Jim Koplik and Shelly Finkel to coordinate many of the logistics surrounding Summer Jam in 1973. Fifty years later, they're equally supportive of this effort. We're very grateful for their amazing contributions to the Summer Jam at Watkins Glen film.
Sum Cutler was the Road Manager for the Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead. After parting ways with The Stones, Cutler befriended Jerry Garcia and soon began to organize The Dead's appearances at several major events including the legendary 1972 European Tour of the Grateful Dead (Europe '72) and The 1973 Summer Jam at Watkins Glen in NY. Subsequently, through his company, Out of Town Tours, Cutler coordinated the appearances of The Grateful Dead, The Band, The Allman Brothers, the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Sons of Champlin, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. The Summer Jam documentary team was in constant contact with Sam during early production which culminated in his most comprehensive interview about Watkins Glen ever. It occurred just 12 weeks before his passing, it was exclusive, and it was pure gold.
Bunky Odom was Vice President at Phil Walden and Associates, and Executive Manager at Capricorn Records, representing iconic acts such as The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Wet Willie. Bunky was one of the key forces of Southern Rock, driving the Allman Brothers Band from their 'beginnings' through world-wide success including a series of Gold & Platinum Records: Live at Fillmore East, Eat a Peach, Brothers and Sisters. Odom was also a business manager for hundreds of their legendary concerts including Summer Jam at Watkins Glen and epic stadium shows at RFK Stadium, and Fulton County Stadium. Along with Bill Graham and Sam Cutler, Koplik and Finkel also relied on Bunky's expert skills at staging huge concerts, it has been told that Watkins Glen Summer Jam could have been a huge disaster if not for their amazing team.
A HEARTFELT NOTE of support FROM DONNA JEAN GODCHAUX TO THE SUMMER JAM @ WATKINS GLEN DOCUMENTARY FILM CREW
"Anyone with a heartbeat will see, and hear, the best of times and music that is surely to come across in the documentary. Warts and all, the positive message is one that stands up. I wish that you, and all who are giving themselves to this effort, are rewarded with everything needed to see it come to a beautiful completion. I am with you. The Best Always, DJ"
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