On Thursday, May 14, an extraordinary collection of music stars came together at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, for the concert event of a lifetime, DEAR JERRY: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF JERRY GARCIA, to honor one of the most influential musicians and cultural icons of our time. The concert event featured performances by: Phil Lesh & Communion, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann’s Billy & the Kids, Buddy Miller, David Grisman, Eric Church, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Frampton, Jorma Kaukonen, Los Lobos, moe., O.A.R., Grace Potter, The Disco Biscuits, Trampled By Turtles, Widespread Panic, and Yonder Mountain String Band.
Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) created an unparalleled legacy across the American landscape, most notably in his role as a founding member, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Garcia’s unmistakable guitar tone enchanted multitudes of “Deadheads” throughout the band’s 30-year career and beyond. His work with the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, Legion of Mary, Garcia/Grisman and projects with Merl Saunders only scratch at the surface of his musical influences as he set out to master the Great American Songbook. In June of 2015, Garcia and Robert Hunter’s collaborative partnership were recognized with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Unequivocally devoted to the craft of music, Garcia continues to inspire future generations through the body of work he has left behind and his creative spirit.