"How to Celebrate Jerry Garcia's 70th" by Music Blog

Music Blog

How to Celebrate Jerry Garcia's 70th

July 26, 2012

Though Jerry Garcia died in 1995, the music hasn't stopped. And there's no question that's exactly how the Grateful Dead frontman would want it.

Garcia would be turning 70 on August 1 and the birthday celebrations that will pepper the country and beyond throughout the first week of August, are proof that his spirit continues to live on through his music and the undying scene that still embraces him like a demigod.

Here's a rundown of what's happening locally and in Garcia's home city of San Francisco:

8/1: Jerry was a huge Giants fan and he was invited many times to Candlestick to sing the National Anthem. The 2010 Championship club will honor the musician's legacy with a special birthday-edition Jerry Garcia bobblehead giveaway and pre-game entertainment with Moonalice, who will perform a Grateful Dead-soaked set of tunes. Ticket proceeds will be donated to the Rex Foundation and other non-profits affiliated with the Dead.

8/4: The London Bridge Pub in Monterey (Fisherman’s Wharf #2) will celebrate Garcia with a huge jam session—fueled of course by the music of the Dead—featuring a stellar lineup made up of some of the area's best musicians, including Jenn Schaaf (drums), Corey Watkins (keys/sax), Heath Proskin (bass), Ben Herod (sax/flute) and Dave Holodiloff (guitar/vocals). Another good thing about this event: There's no cover.

8/5: The 10th Annual Jerry Day Celebration held at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in Mclaren Park (45 John F. Shelley Dr., near San Francisco's Excelsior District) could probably be regarded as Garcia's home field celebration. The event—sponsored by the San Francisco Parks Alliance—takes place a block away from Garcia's childhood home. With the blessing of the Jerry Garcia Estate, proceeds go to revitalizing community parks and playgrounds throughout San Francisco.

The website states: We expose thousands of residents, youth, and travelers to various forms of art through music, art, and cultural history; while still staying true and authentic to Jerry's art, music, and his Excelsior roots.