JerryFest is this Sunday, Oct. 4 and for those who don’t know, it is the annual festival in Five Points that celebrates the life of the one and only Jerry Garcia, best known for his role in the band the Grateful Dead. JerryFest, like many things in 2020, will look different this year in it’s virtual platform. So this morning, we’re taking a quick look back at the history of this event + the man behind it.

So, who is Jerry Garcia?

Jerry Garcia | Photo via Wikimedia from Carl Lender

Jerome John “Jerry” Garcia was the lead guitarist + vocalist of the Grateful Dead, known for his Chuck Berry-like sound and for his eclectic jam band vibes. Fans – affectionately known as Deadheads – all around the nation couldn't get enough of the music during his 35+ year musical career. The Grateful Dead’s cult-like audience described their music as magical, combining spontaneous rock, country, blues + jazz. Still unsure who he is? Check out this list of his 50 greatest songs here to help trigger a musical memory.

DYK – this year marks the 35th anniversary of the band performing in Columbia. The Grateful Dead played on Halloween night at the Carolina Coliseum Arena, formerly the University’s basketball arena. The show was the only time the Grateful Dead performed in South Carolina.

Today, Midlands jam bands pay tribute to the Grateful Dead through JerryFest. In past years, JerryFest has attracted hundreds of Deadheads to Columbia + become one of the largest Five Points events.

Past JerryFest event in Five Points | Photo via @loose_lucys5pts

Columbia has its own connection to the Grateful Dead thanks to Loose Lucy’s, a mom + pop clothing store and hippie shop, which is located in Five Points and named after the song “Loose Lucy.” The shop actually began out of a van at a Grateful Dead concert + the owners then opened the Five Points storefront in 1992. You can enter their JerryFest giveaway on the store’s Instagram.

Who’s ready to jam Jerry style?

JerryFest has gone virtual this year, which may be trippy to some Deadheads. Visit the Five Points Facebook event on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 5-7 p.m for the live stream as two local bands, George Fetner and the Strays + Stillhouse, pay tribute to Jerry.

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