What happens when the world’s two leading bands carrying the torch of the Jerry Garcia Band experience unite into one unstoppable force? This was the scene at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo, California as Garcia Band alum and current JGB frontman Melvin Seals joined California’s own Jerry’s Middle Finger for a sold-out Saturday evening Drive-in concert on November 14.

Jerry’s Middle Finger and special guest Sunshine Becker (Furthur) tore up their first live audience performance in 235 days to a sold-out drive-in crowd of nearly 1,000 hungry fans amongst 200+ socially-distanced cars at the Solano County Fairgrounds on Saturday night.

With Garrett Deloian’s lead guitar out in front, Los Angeles-based Jerry’s Middle Finger is deserving of its reputation for throwing down some of the best Jerry Garcia Band- tribute gatherings in the land, giving Melvin Seals’ and JGB a run for their money.

The sun came out bathing the Ventura fairgrounds in a beautiful orange glow as sleepy festival goers woke from a long night of music and partying. The noontime drum circle was the wake-up call for many. But it wasn’t until about 3 PM, when Northern California’s premiere Grateful Dead cover band, the China Cats took the stage, that most people finally gathered together for a dance jam. The group formed in 2008 in Santa Cruz California and has garnered a loyal following since.