Long, Strange Trip

Anyone who knows me, knows I love music. I am constantly listening to all different types and genres, exploring the playlists on Spotify and discovering new artists. But if I had to pick one artist to listen to for the rest of life, it would be easy: The Grateful Dead. And I can confidently say I am not alone in that decision.

This August will mark 23 years since the death of Jerry Garcia, the band’s frontman guitarist who was worshipped by the ‘Dead Heads’. Although he has passed, enthusiasm for America’s greatest band is very much alive and well.

So, how did I get into it? Growing up, I was always familiar with the name Grateful Dead but really didn’t know too much about it. My brother, a die-hard Phish fan, was the first to really draw my attention. When I was 18, my brother took me and some friends to my first Phish show (sorry, if you’re reading this mom), and I was immediately enthralled with not only the music but the culture that accompanied alongside it. For those who don’t know, Grateful Dead and Phish both created an atmosphere almost impossible to explain to someone whose never been. The parking lot is as much of a show as the concert itself, and the people in attendance are as entertaining as the music.

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