Born on August 1, 1942, Jerry Garcia would have celebrated his 80th birthday this year. His music has brought together so many people from all walks of life, and the full spectrum of music fans gathered at Red Rocks Wednesday night to celebrate Jerry’s legacy.
While thunderstorms rolled over the Denver metro, jam scene luminaries Dave Schools and Duane Trucks from Widespread Panic, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead guitarist and vocalist Tom Hamilton, legendary keyboardist Melvin Seals, and JBG vocalist Jacklyn LaBranch along with Chiedza Kundidzora, backed by the Colorado Symphony channeled Jerry’s energy, treated us to a unique music experience.
The full ensemble worked through two full sets of Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead favorites, including “Cats Under The Stars”, “The Wheel”, “China Cat Sunflower”, “Shakedown Street”, and others.
After nearly two hours of music, the Colorado Symphony left the stage, and the main band jammed through covers of J.J. Cale’s “After Midnight”, Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally”, and closed the night out with a spirited take on Bob Dylan’s “Tangled up in Blue.”
Jerry may be gone, but his spirit and music live on. Nights like this, reconnecting with friends, and standing at the top of one of the most special venues on the planet, watching lighting flash across the city below reminds me of the importance of those music connections. Thanks, Jerry!
Jerry Garcia 80th Birthday Symphonic Celebration, June 29, 2022, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO Setlist
Cats Under the Stars, The Wheel, Bird Song, China Cat Sunflower, Mission In The Rain, Deal, Reuben and Cherise, Shakedown Street, Uncle John’s Band, Morning Dew, Run For The Roses, Terrapin Station, Touch of Grey
After Midnight*, Lay Down Sally*, Tangled up in Blue*
* without Colorado Symphony
All photos by Mitch Kline