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JERRY DAY 2026 Jerry Garcia Tribute
SPIRIT OF GARCIA by Uncle John
There is a rapport between Jerry Garcia, and the musicians playing with him, and with their audience, that few other musicians share. A density of thought, richness of feeling, the eloquence of Robert Hunter’s lyrics and the power in the air created by the crispy sound of Garcia’s guitar – it literally crackles, snaps and pops at times. The way he paces the music & kicks! His delicate fingertips touches our hearts, minds and ears. Sometimes the pace is slow, other times the sound seems to float, luxuriously bathing us in ecstasy and excitement, transforming our consciousness like a pebble rolling down a hill, or bells ringing with the choir singing, and he smiles at us while playing his soft musical prayer, and rocks us with vibrations giving us a warm and unifying feeling. There’s magic there and we’re full of energy and all ears. We reach for the sky top as he mimics life, visualizing flourishing patterns, as his fingers fret like a skateboard up and down the guitar, bringing a harvest of music, like an artist taking abstract concepts to fill a canvas and create a picture. The crowd is always eager for new visions of ancient ideas & homespun wisdom, miniscule notes and giant sounds cresting and ebbing like the tides. Spontaneous motion fills the once cold barren space with warmth and direction. The band massages our senses and stimulates our imagination. The sea of faces listen in telepathic rapport and move in synchronicity. Distinguished and dignified, there is a blend and common bond of the simple & grand listening to the music of Jerry Garcia playin’ in the band.
SUMMER MAGIC
We come to hear the music of Papa Bear And celebrate his birthday here I climb the steep hill when I arrive More rugged and difficult than gym stairs no jive I pause at the top Take in the surroundings Enjoying the dank zaza in the air Then I go down to the sound And the dancer appears
Back to back with the dancer The sun shines through her There is light in her eyes like stars above Face sprinkled with glittery sparkles of love Playful interaction smiling poses One ankle adorned with roses She wears no underwear No one can see Laughing and dancing She´s independent and free
Summer magic Fun all around Dancing bears Hearts united by sound The band musicians are having a blast Everyone listening wants it to last Laughing with the dancing bears Barefoot in the sand Summer magic and special fun In motion with artistics hands
We´re daydreaming together Summer sun perfect weather Love in the spirit excitement in the air Music massage and healing Senses hear
Butterfly over a girl Beautiful as a pearl Summer hair on her face Good vibes in this place Dancing with bare toes Feeling the wind blow The magic of summer flows In the stream and at the shows
Listening to old songs Making new friends Summer is here As the magic extends Summer fun For everyone
Backstage with the Jerry Garcia Band, at The Keystone Berkeley, I’m sitting at the main round table listening to Jerry Garcia carry on a half dozen lively conversations at the same time. He is astutely following each one and contributes brilliant observations, upbeat, with a good deal of laughter. I finally capture his attention with my eyes and interject a question, "Have you seen the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind?" I ask him, not realizing he had a cameo in the film. He immediately replies, "Im not answering anymore questions until we find out who you are." There is suddenly silence in the room. And I introduce myself "Uncle John" "That improves things considerably," Jerry Garcia responds, lifting his eyebrows with a twinkle, and smiles, and the banter in the room resumes.
Celebrating the Life and Music of Donna Jean
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