A nostalgic, yet strikingly fresh experience has been planned for Ames residents tonight via a band of musicians whose mission is to preserve and perpetuate the vibe made popular by the Grateful Dead.

Yeah, yeah, another Grateful Dead cover band. What else is new?

Wanted: dead or alive

Actually there is something new. Or at least noticeably different from the “ordinary” Dead cover band.

It’s true The Schwag “preserves” the songs of the Grateful Dead (which is part of the reason why the group formed in the first place), but what differentiates The Schwag from other Dead cover collaborators is its “perpetuation” of Dead songs.

The band doesn’t necessarily play a song like the Dead played it at any given moment. The Schwag plays the Dead’s songs in the spirit of its heroes — totally different and spontaneous every time.

The Schwag assumes the role “as though the Dead is still alive and still doing it,” bassist Jimmy Tebeau said.

Crazy fingers

This spirit is accomplished with the frequent and varied jams The Schwag incorporates into its performances.

“We make the jam the epitome of the song,” Tebeau continued.

The spontaneity of the band’s jam sessions is heightened by the fact that The Schwag never prepares a set list. Tebeau described The Schwag’s shows as “live on the spot.”

He said, “[the band] wings it the whole way through.”

In addition to winging it, the St. Louis natives make a conscious effort to never repeat sets, or play songs the band has recently performed.

The Schwag will definitely not play any of the same tunes at back-to-back concerts, unless the crowd really wants to hear a particular ditty. Since the band averages about five shows a week, this feat is pretty impressive.

The Schwag also keeps track of the songs it plays at every venue, to be sure it doesn’t play the same sets in the same town.

“It’s always fresh,” Tebeau said.

Eventually, any given city might hear the same songs, but the chances of this occurring anytime soon are nil.

This is partly due to the sheer quantity of Grateful Dead songs that have been written. The Schwag’s goal is to someday learn all 300-plus Dead songs, of which it currently knows about half.

Even though the band only knows half of the Dead’s tunes, The Schwag has religiously stuck to its “fresh” approach. The group recently played six sets at Mardi Gras in its hometown of St. Louis from 1:15 to 10:35 p.m., and only went through 54 songs.

But who’s counting?

Schwagstock

The Schwag loves to play. Tebeau said he wishes he could perform for over eight hours every day. To help quench its musical thirst the band has developed a multi-year event known as Schwagstock.

At the festival Schwagheads enjoy a weekend’s worth (and sometimes longer) of Schwag music, vendors, drum circles and jam sessions.

The demographics of The Schwag’s fanbase is definitely varied. At the campout one might see senior citizens jamming right alongside children.

Schwagstock has even helped individuals unite. Tebeau said a girl and a guy from two different states met at the Schwagstock in Lesterville and might be getting married.

The popularity of Schwagstock has grown like a weed since the group formed in 1992. A major reason for the band’s progress is The Schwag’s ambitious attitude.

In addition to touring most of the week and providing a unique festival for its fans, The Schwag keeps a tidy Web site.

Schwag technology

Located at www.theschwag.com, the site reveals tour dates, set lists, song lists, the band’s bio, links, a guest book, merchandise, a photo gallery and an extensive journal.

A surfer might also find Schwagbase — a detailed listing of the band’s gigs from June 1996 to current day, which includes when and where the performance occurred, and what songs were played during each set.

While its Web site provides valuable information, The Schwag is most known for its live shows.

As if the music itself weren’t enough, the six-man band has added lighting technician Ched Hudgins to its retinue.

Hudgins incorporates Meteor Pro Beam projectors and helium lasers whenever the venue’s size allows for it. The trippy visual effects combined with the psychedelic tunes provide for some exquisite entertainment.

The Schwag will bring its unique musical agenda to People’s Bar and Grill tonight at 9:30 p.m.