IF YOU weren't among the lucky ones celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Grateful Dead at the band's three final concerts this summer, not to worry: The Charlie Fog Band has you covered.
Amid local vendors and the savory smells of Barrelhouse’s Shakedown Street menu, Savannah’s own Grateful Dead tribute has a very special three-hour set planned in celebration of Jerry Day, honoring the late Dead frontman.
“The week of August 1-9 is a big week in the Grateful Dead world,” says guitarist/vocalist Daniel Berman. “Jerry Garcia’s birthday is August 1...he passed away on August 9, so those first eight days are known as ‘the days between.’”
The band will be in Atlanta earlier in the week, playing a big Jerry Day at Terminal West.
With this year being the Dead’s 50th anniversary, Berman and company knew they had to do something even more spectacular than their typical two-night August run.
“Our first set is acoustic, which we’ve never done before,” says Berman. “Back in the early ‘80s, there was a point where Grateful Dead did smaller gigs...they’d do a 10-night run, and did that format, where it was an acoustic set, then two electric sets.”
The Charlie Fog Band will use that format for the evening’s festivities.
“The acoustic set will be a format to showcase the roots and origin of the Grateful Dead—the kind of music that had them go from jug band to electric blues band,” Berman explains. “When we get to the electric format, we’ll be able to take the next 25 or so years of their existence and try to pull out the ones that, not only we play well, but seem to resonate with people.”
Berman hints that the audience may see some surprise musical guests onstage—no hints for now, so you gotta show up to see who joins in the fun. Barrelhouse’s new lighting system and the trippy backgrounds of Planetary Projections will enhance the visual experience.
While you’re enjoying the music, check out the vendors: Ashley Workman will have a table with her Bring Your Own Bag project, Alan Wood will showcase his art, and San Souci Smoke Shop will be peddling their wares.
