Above: Roots of Creation photo by Brett Witten Photography
Left: Kids Parade with Van Burens photo right by Jen Garner
J
erry Jam’s organizers sure have been stirring
up a lot of buzz with this year’s line-up, quite
possibly one of the most stacked to date (www.
jerryjam.com). One of the Jam’s mantras is, “Let
the music be the drug”, and with the artists they
have lined up for this year, you’re sure to be on a
rhythmic, harmonious high for days after. This year
the festival makes a short move from Dodge Farm
to the abutting fields of Klay Knoll Farm.
In 2013, after many years, Jerry Jam transcended to a whole other level. Legendary organist and
keyboardist Melvin Seals, who’s played for some
of the greats, including Mr. Garcia himself for 15
years, had come to the ‘intimate’ festival. Since
then, Seals has become a must-see performer, each
year adding more shows to his schedule.
For the 20th Anniversary Festival, which takes
June• 2015
place this year July 23-26, Seals is playing all four
nights with different headlining bands. On Thursday night Seals will be on stage with Cats Under
the Stars, Friday with Mel and The Garcia Project,
and Saturday it’s Melvin and Jerry Garcia Band.
Jerry Jam just announced that Seals will also perform on Sunday night but the supporting act is yet
to be disclosed to the public.
Returning Jerry Jam veterans include Roots
of Creation (RoC),The Van Burens, Pink Talking
Fish, JGB, The Garcia Project, Dead Undercover,
Blind Owl Band, and The Peacheaters, (Allman
Brothers tribute band). Another major announcement came that Max Creek will be playing Jerry
Jam as well. This festival isn’t just a few shows
scattered through four days; there are over 20
more acts lined up, ensuring “music never stops”.
cidermag.com • CIDER
MAG • 17