Boots Jaffee: A Life of Music, Fire, and Adventure
Leonard "Boots" Jaffee, a Brooklyn native who now resides in the Poudre Canyon area, has had a life filled with adventure and music. His nickname "Boots" originated from his unique walking style, which led his mother to outfit him in work boots. Jaffee is well-known among Grateful Dead fans for his appearance in The Grateful Dead Movie, showcasing the band's performances at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in 1974. He joined the Dead's road crew in New York and became known for his pyrotechnic skills, igniting fireballs on stage during their shows.
Jaffee worked approximately a thousand Grateful Dead concerts during his time with the band, handling pyrotechnics and assisting with equipment. He now serves as the president of the board of directors for the Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District and volunteers as a firefighter and weather watcher. Despite his past with fire, Jaffee assures that he always had control over the flames during the concerts and even received recognition from a fire department in New York for his work.
As part of the legendary Grateful Dead road crew, Jaffee befriended guitarist Bob Weir and played harmonica with Weir's band RatDog. He has also shared the stage with artists like Odetta and Merl Saunders. Jaffee's artistic talents extend to painting, sculpting, and sketching, and he continues to play harmonica with local bands. His passion for music and performance has been a constant throughout his life, with harmonica playing being a significant part of his musical journey.
Jaffee, who has five children in his blended family with his wife Chris, fondly remembers the vibrant Grateful Dead community from his time with the band. While many have passed away, he cherishes the memories of the backstage events and the camaraderie among the extended Grateful Dead family. Jaffee's upcoming performance with the Delilah West Band at Swing Station on February 27 is a testament to his enduring love for music and his ongoing involvement in the local music scene.