Craig Marshall gets the crowd involved for Jerry's B-Day

Sunday, August 1st would have been the 68th birthday of the legendary late guitarist for the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia.  Garcia died 15 year ago from heart failure at Shady Grove Rehab Center in the San Francisco Bay area.  Garcia suffered from years of heroin addiction.  What the world remembers, however is not how he passed but how he lived.  Brining 30+ years of improvisational music driven by his melodic guitar riffs and grandfatherly voice.

Maykers Rockin' The Baja Blues Bar

Garcia’s passing left a large hole in the hearts of the fans and every year, from his birthday on August 1st to his death day, August 9th, the fans celebrate “The Days Between.”  In Southern California, the Orange County Fair payed tribute to the fallen guitar hero by hosting, in the Action Sports Arena, Southern California’s premier Grateful Dead tribute, CUBENSIS with Long Beach’s samba funk band Delta Nove.  The Jerry Garcia tribute, The Maykers, kicked off the night in Baja Blues, right by the entrance to the outdoor arena.

I’ve always viewed state and county fairs as an oddity of human nature.  Where else besides a county fair can you find “Deep Fried Butter,” “Deep Fried Bacon” or “Giant Turkey Legs?”  After you gorge yourself on deep friend anything, you can purchase relatively inexpensive tickets to ride a machine that will make your expel that deep fried treat quicker than you ingested it.  Oddity indeed, but a fantastic setting to celebrate a man who’s talents were equally beyond the normal.

Action Sports Arena at OC Fair

The Action Sports Arena at the Orange County Fair is a relatively new addition to the fair’s attractions.  Skate park and extreme sports exhibition area mixed with a stage and bleacher seating, it’s a far cry from the former short track that used to occupy the space.  Positioned right next to the Baja Blues at the fairgrounds, it’s a really cool venue.

The Maykers kicked off the day at 4 pm inside the bar at the Baja Cantina.  Joined by Cubensis’ Larry Ryan and current and former Cubensis singers, CeCe Sherman and Lisa Blue, the Maykers played 2+ hours of Jerry Garcia Band music to the enjoyment of the crowd.  Mixed with young and old, Deadhead and not, the crowd danced the afternoon away sipping cold Budweiser beers preparing for Cubensis and Delta Nove.

Delta Nove

At just after 6pm, Delta Nove came out on the Action Arena stage and delivered an excellent set of Brazillian samba funk for the attendees.  By the time Cubensis took the stage at 8pm, they were ready for some good ol fashioned Grateful Dead.  And Cubensis delivered just that, weaving a tapestry of Dead with JGB songs for a musical hug of loving Jerry arms around everyone in attendance.  A great place to see a show and a great reason to do it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JERRY!

Happy Birthday, Jerry!  “There were days, there were days, there were days between.”

MORE PHOTOS OF JERRY’S B-DAY AT OC FAIR AVAILABLE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

The Southern Callifornia Deadhead Family got together at the beautiful Irvine Lake Campgrounds to celebrate what would have been the 68th birthday of Jerry Garcia, the man who many of the attendees spent (or misspent) their youths following around.  A weekend of reminiscing about previous Jerry moments, past birthday celebrations and catching up with old friends set the tone for the weekend.  It was just like a Dead show.

Highlighted by the two night headlining Grateful Dead tribute, Cubensis, the Jerry Jam was not just a celebration of the life and legend of Mr. Garcia but rather a celebration of the music he inspired others to play.  While the line-up did include the Jerry Garcia tribute, The Maykers featuring previous members of JGB David Kemper, Cheryl Rucker and Shirley Starks and Cubensis, the rest of the entertainment was a mix of original music and eclectic covers.  All the artists had one thing in common, a love for the man who inspired a generation to break down musical boundaries and learn to JAM!

The first under-card standout at the festival was the always impressive GrooveSession.  Hailing from the inland empire of Riverside, CA, the funk-tastic threesome of brothers Ronnie and Manny Sanchez with Sarven Manguiat kicked off the weekend by telling the audience “Don’t you threaten me with a good time.”  They played a total of three sets over the course of two days and every set blew away the crowd.  I got a chance to talk to Sarven and we can all look forward to a new GrooveSession CD this fall.  They’ve got plans of heading to Europe, Australia and Japan in the not too distant future.  Is the rest of the planet ready for a Session?  I sure hope so.

Another Friday afternoon surprise, Old Californio, brought out an amazing set of original music.  Highlighted by the amazing guitar work of Woody Aplanalp, Old Californio weaves a musical tapestry that blends the styles of Phish, Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic and String Cheese into a brand new blanket of unique jam rock.  Nate LaPointe of Cubensis calls Woody his “inspiration” for pushing his guitar limits while they attended Cal Arts together.  I don’t know where Old Californio has been hiding but I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Friday night was night one of Cubensis’ triple header weekend.  The Friday night crowd was treated to a fantastic two sets that included a killer Help->Slip->Franklin’s Tower, a tasty Whart Rat and finally culminating with a tear bringing Standing on the Moon encore.  Setting the crowd up for a killer weekend of music, Friday at the Jerry Jam was a fantastic start.

Saturday’s day was kicked off early with the Dupp Brothers bringing out some morning bluegrass.  Fiddle and Mandolin highlighted an otherwise overloaded band.  Lots of musicians, not a lot of layers.  While the songs they played were great and their musical talent was not in question, also not a question why they got the early main stage slot in the day.  Rumble Fish filled the gap on the Cafe Stage while they got the main stage ready for the tribute to Jeff Beck, Business Hours.  Featuring the amazing bass work of George Malek and the experimental keyboard work of Chris McKinney, Business Hours takes the incredibly challenging instrumental jam music of Jeff Beck and delivers it with a unique flair.

The Cafe Stage started to heat up following Business Hours with Barley Legal.  Featuring the jammy guitar riffs of Cubensis’ Nate LaPointe and the Dylanesqe vocals of Jay Constable, Barley Legal has been moving up the musical ranks rather quickly rockin’ regular shows in Hermosa, Redondo and recently debuting in the OC at the Marlin Bar & Grille.  A mix of catchy beach rock originals and covers of everything from Bob Dylan to Michael Jackson, Barley Legal knows how to have fun.  The Jerry Jam performance included a special guest of Steve “Shag” Aguillar on keys/organ.  Steve currently plays with D3 on a regular basis.

GrooveSession drug the crowd back to the main stage for yet another rockin’ set.  Everyone in the place was ready for some Grateful Dead music.  A beautiful Saturday at the lake.  Temperature in the mid 70’s and a nice breeze, the crowds started to roll into Jerry Jam.  Kicking off Saturday’s “Dead Set” was the Mo Gypsys feat. the weekend’s musical pimp, Nate LaPointe on guitar and the lovely and talented CeCe Sherman belting out the vocals.  While the Gypsys mixed some Dead into their set, it really didn’t matter what was being sung, just that CeCe was delivering it with her soulfully buttery vocals.

Christine Vierra of Mama Pearl took the main stage next with her fabulous delivery of Janis Joplin music.  Paying tribute to Jerry, Christine performed a smokin’ Smokestack Lightning.  Vierra delivers Janis with the passion of the original.  Time for some Hempstring Orchestra on the Cafe Stage.  Fronted by the man behind the Jerry Jam, Ted Tesoriero, Hempstring Orchestra got the crowd warmed up with some JGB and classic rock standards.  Receiving a rousing applause for not only a great set of HO music but for putting together an amazing event, Ted sent everyone back to the main stage for one of the two highlights of the weekend, The Maykers.

The Maykers are to JGB music what Cubensis is to The Grateful Dead music.  Both Southern California mainstays in the Greatful Dead family, The Maykers have in their musical arsenal Dave Kemper, 11 year veteran of the Jerry Gacia Band, and Cheryl Rucker & Shirley Starks, back up singers for Melvin Seals & The JGB.  Together with Cubensis’ Larry Ryan on Bass, the rest of the Maykers brought out a killer set of Jerry Garcia music.

Jet Wash filled the empty space between the Maykers and Cubensis with a so-so set of music.  Jerry was in the air and there was no distracting the crowd from the fact that after hearing the Mayker’s great set, it was almost time for night two of Cubensis!  Taking the stage around 7pm, Cubensis rocked us all out to two full sets of Grateful Dead music.  A pause just around sundown for a fitting tribute to  Jerry Garcia, the band and the crowd sang Happy Birthday followed by the release of hundreds of balloons into the night sky.  As the helium filled orbs drifted up to heaven on the breeze, the air was all about Jerry and ne’er was there a dry eye in the place.  I don’t recall the tune, but I sure remember the singer.  Happy Birthday, Jerry!

Post show, I got a chance to wander back behind the stage and found an opportunity to jam with some of the players from the weekends bands.  Nate LaPoite, Jason Carver (Barley Legal), Chris McKinney (Business Hours), George Malek (Business Hours), Larry and Tom Ryan (Cubensis) and I picked some Jerry tunes with about 20+ festival goers listening in as all of us sang in Jerry’s Birthday.

On August 12th, Ted and the Irvine Lake facility will host the 5th Annual Woodstock ’69 Festival, celebrating with tributes bands playing Crosby, Stills and Nash, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead and more.

More photos of Jerry Jam 2010 available on Shakedown News’ Facebook page.  Stop by and take a look!

OC Fair Celebrates Jerry Garcia's Bday

While the two days prior to August 1st will be spent at Irvine Lake celebrating the life of Jerome “Jerry” John Garcia, two of the bands that will be at the Jerry Jam at Irvine Lake will join Long Beach’s funk-a-delic Delta Nove at the Orange County Fair for a special Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration.

Cubensis, Southern California’s premier Grateful Dead experience, has a big weekend ahead of them in Orange County, CA.  Starting at Irvine Lake for the Jerry Jam, they’ll headline both nights there.  Also on the bill for Irvine is The Maykers, a great Jerry Garcia tribute featuring David Kemper, drummer for The JGB 83′- 94′ and Bob Dylan Band for 5+ years, from Melvin Seals and the JGB back up singers Cheryl Rucker and Shirley Starks and Richard Hardy on woodwinds from The Carole King Band and Dave Matthews Band fame.  Both bands will then make their way on Sunday to the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa, CA for an afternoon in celebration of Jerry Garcia’s B-Day with Delta Nove.  A big weekend to celebrate the life of a a huge musical influence.

Jerry Jam at Irvine Lake begins Friday July 30th at 12 noon.  Ticket are available HERE.

Orange County Fair schedule is 4 p.m. Maykers – 6 p.m. Delta Nove – 8 p.m. Cubensis at Action Sports Arena.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased HERE or at the venue day of show.

Happy Birthday, Jerry!

August 1st, 2010 would be Jerry Garcia’s 68th birthday.  In memorial of the late great leader of the Grateful Dead, many celebrations will take place across the county.  Here’s a list of the some good shows to catch to celebrate Jerry’s Birthday!

Jerry Jam, Irvine Lake, CA:  Featuring So. Cal’s top Grateful Dead Tribute, Cubensis, the Jerry Jam will take place all weekend.  Gates open at noon on Friday, July 30th and entertainment for the weekend includes Cubensis, Mo Gypsys, Barley Legal, Hempstring Orchestra, Old Californio, Jetwash, Groove Session and Business Hours.  Located at the beautiful Irvine Lakes, the Jerry Jam won’t break the bank at $25/day or $4o/weekend including camping.  Irvine Lakes is located at 4821 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA 92676.

25th Annual Jerrys Birthday Bash at Sunshine Daydream:  Highlighted by New Riders of the Purple Sage, Steve Kimmock’s Crazy Engine and Jemimah Puddleduck, Sunshine Daydream will once again host a killer festival celebrating Jerry’s Birthday.  Sunshine Daydream is located at 428 Jerry Garcia Way, Terra Alta, WV, 26764.  Tickets run $65 pre-sale, $80 at the door.

Complete line-up is New Riders of the Purple Sage-feat.Original Memers, Steve Kimocks Crazy Engine(Feat.Bernie Worrell), Mark Karan w/Jemimah Puddleduck, Hot Buttered Rum(2 Days), Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, Garcia Grass, Sunshine Family Band (x2), Toni Brown & Ed Munson, Shak Nasti, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, theCAUSE, The TrainJumpers, Emergence, thePHOENIX, FUTURE, Plaid Iguana Project, Tommy Garcia, The Tash Brothers, BaTmaN’s Dynamic Trio and Grateful Dead Memorabilia Auction by Les Kippel and Gary Kroman.

8th Annual Jerry Day Celebration, San Francisco, CA:  Rex Foundation is pleased to announce a special grant to support Jerry Day in San Francisco.  Jerry Day is a civic and cultural event that celebrates San Francisco native son Jerry Garcia. The free event captures the true spirit of Jerry Garcia, celebrates his legacy at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and recognizes his childhood roots in the Excelsior District.

The 2010 event is Sunday, August 1. Jerry Garcia Amphitheater is in the Excelsior District at McLaren Park in the City and County of San Francisco. The outdoor amphitheater was renamed Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in 2005.  Jerry Day 2010 will feature Melvin Seals w/ Jerry Garcia Band.

Orpheum Theater Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash, Flagstaff, AZ:  The Orpheum is will celebrate Jerry Garcia’s Birthday with an all star event on Saturday, July 31st, 2010.  Six bands paying tribute to Jerry with different arrangements and covering music from his long career from Old & in the Way, Garica Grisman, Jerry Garcia Band & The Grateful Dead. There will be non stop Jerry being performed for many hours, so come early and stay late! The whole week will celebrate Jerry and his music, with the Rhythm Devils rocking the Orpheum on July 27th. Acts are Craig Yarbrough, Mandy Ferrarini & Matt Germansen, FARGUS, Knuckle Sandwich, Volunteer String Band and the Jerry All Stars! Closing the night with an electric All Star cast of revolving musicians from many AZ Bands. Doors 7 PM Show 8 PM $5 Cover at the Door All Ages.