December 1, 2023

Jerry Garcia was an artist in the truest sense of the term. Known widely for his role as a founding member, principal songwriter, vocalist and lead guitarist for The Grateful Dead, he was also well-respected in the industry for his technical skills and innovative guitar playing. He was a central figure in the 1960s counterculture movement who “walked the talk,” emphasizing creativity and experimentation in his music while embodying a sense of personal freedom and non-conformity in his daily life. Although it began before his death in 1995, since his death, there has been an ever-growing “movement” to keep his music alive. There are now literally hundreds of tribute bands across the country comprising what has become a significant, vibrant and dynamic scene. It seems that Jerry lives on!

Of course, when it comes to cover bands, there is a diverse range with regard to quality and intent. Some seek only to mimic, to attentively replicate note-for-note what came before. Others seek to dive deeper and invoke the spirit of the original band, utilizing the framework of the songs, but then respectfully allowing their own artistic expression to drive the music forward into new, exciting and unexpected territories — just as Jerry would have wanted! Of the latter, the Garcia Birthday Band (GBB), hailing from our own backyard here in Portland, is one of the very best in the country.

I had the pleasure of speaking with keyboardist/vocalist Adam King, who has been with the band since 2015. Warm, intelligent and enthusiastic, Adam stated the band has been playing for over 20 years. It began back around the turn of the century when McMenamins Edgefield decided to throw a birthday party in honor of Jerry and needed a band who could not just play the music but also embody the spirit of The Dead. The Garcia Birthday Band was born! Since then they have become a McMenamins staple, and a favorite house band playing regularly at shows all over Oregon and beyond. And the crowds just keep growing larger! This music is as popular now as it ever was, and because GBB plays without boundaries or restrictions, often following jams into unexplored territories, no set is ever played exactly the same way twice.

From their website: “Using The Dead’s repertoire as a springboard for limitless potential and improvisation, GBB is a cornerstone of the modern Grateful Dead universe, and their fans have come to expect the unexpected as the norm. Placing no boundaries on eras of the Dead’s career or catalog, and drawing on decades of individual and shared experience, GBB play the music through an auditory kaleidoscope. Composed of some of the most ace players of the Oregon music community, the band makes every show an act of exploration, both musically and spiritually.” GBB live is more than just a show; it’s an experience, and it’s one you can’t miss!

By Dennis McNabb, Staff Writer