Watch Various Artists - Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia

Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia is a 2016 concert film that serves as a tribute to the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. The film was directed by Justin Kreutzmann and features a star-studded lineup of musicians, including Matt Burr, Sam Bush, Eric Church, Jimmy Cliff, and many others. The concert was held at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland in May 2015 and showcases the diverse range of musical styles that Jerry Garcia influenced during his career. The film captures the essence of the event and the various artists who came together to celebrate the legacy of one of rock music's most celebrated and innovative guitarists.

The concert film opens with a lively introduction by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who proudly declares that Merriweather Post Pavilion is "Jerry Garcia's home away from home." This sets the tone for the celebration, which is filled with good vibes, amazing music, and heartfelt tributes to the late musician.

The first half of the concert is dedicated to acoustic performances, with artists like David Grisman and Sam Bush taking the stage to perform some of Jerry Garcia's most beloved songs, including "Friend of the Devil" and "Ripple." The performances are intimate and soulful, and showcase the intricate musicianship that Jerry Garcia was known for.

As the concert progresses, the artists switch to electric instruments and the energy level of the crowd begins to rise. Dub legend Jimmy Cliff graces the stage with his signature reggae beats, performing a mesmerizing rendition of "The Harder They Come," while Grammy-winning country star Eric Church unleashes his own brand of rock-inspired country music with a performance of "Tennessee Jed."

One of the highlights of the evening is a performance by the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, who reunite for the first time since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995. The band performs several of their classic hits, including "Truckin'" and "Touch of Grey," with Trey Anastasio of Phish filling in on guitar for Garcia.

Throughout the concert, Justin Kreutzmann skillfully weaves in archival footage of Jerry Garcia, providing context for the music and showcasing the guitarist's own unique brand of performance magic. The film offers a candid look at the life and work of one of rock music's most beloved icons, while also paying tribute to the wide-ranging influence that his music has had on subsequent generations of musicians.

Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia is a heartfelt and poignant tribute to one of rock music's most iconic figures. The film offers a rare glimpse into the musical world of Jerry Garcia, while also showcasing the remarkable musicianship and passion of the artists who came together to celebrate his legacy. This film is a must-see for fans of the Grateful Dead and for anyone who loves great music.

Various Artists - Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia is a 2016 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours.