Jerryfest in Five Points: A Celebration of the Life and Art of Jerry Garcia

October 5 at 3:30 p.m. ~

The Five Points Association, in conjunction with alternative clothing store Loose Lucy’s and Concert Promoter Listen Local, will be hosting this year’s Jerryfest, starting at 3:30 p.m. on October 5, 2014.  For over a decade, local musicians have organized Jerryfest commemorating the rock guitarist and music industry icon, Jerry Garcia.  The festival will be located in the heart of Five Points at the fountain, will be free to the public and family-friendly.

The Five Points Association plans to feature vending that includes local merchants, artists and food and beverages.  Patrons can expect to enjoy a full music lineup including: Alien Carnival, George Fetner and The Strays, Rusty Strings, Stillhouse and Jackaroe.

Fans and contributors typically commemorate Garcia during what they call ‘The Days Between’, August 1^st-9^th, the date of his birth and death.  This year local Jerryfest organizers have chosen a time later in the season to better accommodate Columbia’s large population of college students.  “Not only is the city more full at that time of year, the weather tends to be much more pleasant for what many of us prefer to be an outdoor event,” says Jenn McCallister, co-owner of Loose Lucy’s and vocalist for local classic rock-influenced act Stillhouse.

Bentz Kirby, bandleader of Alien Carnival and local attorney, says of Garcia’s influence, “Jerry Garcia has been a heroic figure.  His music has, for me, signified the Gathering of the Tribes and a slightly different look at the world. I’m proud to play Jerryfest again this year.”

Garcia is best known for his work as lead guitarist for the Grateful Dead and several albums as a solo artist.  Garcia was also ranked 46^th in Rolling Stones “100 Greatest Guitarists,” near John Lennon ranked 55^th and Prince ranked 33^rd.

For more information, please visit www.FivePointsColumbia.com.