On August 1, 1973 The Band opened for Grateful Dead on Jerry Garcia’s 31st birthday, making for one of the most memorable nights in American rock & roll history. On Friday, August 1 of this year, forty-one years later, Dark Star Orchestra and The Band tribute act, The Weight will be recreating this entire show for “A Very Jerry Birthday Jam” at Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park.

When Dave Rawlings hits his stride, the genius of his improvisation seems to stop time. All other distractions fade away and one can focus on his confident, driving guitar playing that is both discrete in melody and fluid within the larger harmony. Mr. Rawling’s is like a chess Grandmaster, able to play 20 moves ahead.  This is an incredible strength because as you begin to realize the beauty of what he has just played – a reward to those listening closely – Mr.