Stu Allen Berkeley

with Stu Allen, Mark Karan, Roger McNamee, and more

A great idea that has become an Ashkenaz tradition, the sixth annual Ashkenaz celebration of Jerry Garcia’s birthday, “Very Jerry 6,” features an array of the Bay’s best Dead/Jerry interpreters and improvisers, and some surprise guests joining in, hosted by Stu Allen. “Very Jerry 6” is a Community Benefit Night to raise funds for Ashkenaz, with some of our favorite musicians bringing their talents to help one of their favorite music gathering spots. Information on how you can participate in “Skeletons from the Closet: A Silent Auction for Deadheads” is below.
Performers announced so far in addition to Allen include Mark Karan, Roger McNamee, David Gans, Jordan Feinstein, Maurice Tani, Paige Clem, Michael Berry, Amy Berry, Mike Meagher, Joe Balestreri, Pamela Brandon, Jimmie Brighton, and Totally Dead.

Jerome John Garcia would have turned 74 on August 1. Although his body is gone, the Grateful Dead guitarist’s spirit and music have never been more alive. That spirit is the heart of tonight’s tribute, celebrating Garcia the composer and performer, as soloists, duos, and bands perform separately and in kaleidoscopic combinations, acoustic and electric, and both at once, in this community benefit for Ashkenaz.

Although Jerry Garcia never played at Ashkenaz, his music has a long history with the venue. Since the ’90s Ashkenaz has hosted Grateful Dead Nights, featuring a plethora of musicians who worked with him over the decades, as well as bands that pay homage to the music of Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead, and scores of acts who follow in their footsteps.

New to this year’s “Very Jerry” is “Skeletons from the Closet: A Silent Auction for Deadheads.” Calling all Deadheads – we need your stash! Perhaps there is some nugget or treasure you are ready to part with in support of Ashkenaz? Books, LPs, concert posters, and other gems and paraphernalia are welcome! Or, perhaps you are a musician who can offer a service for auction, or know a business owner you can approach about a gift certificate? Items can be dropped off at any Grateful Dead Night between now and August 31, or contact Ashkenaz to arrange an alternate dropoff or pickup. Donations are tax-deductible and will help keep your local Dead Night community center keepin’ on!

Another new feature this year that we are excited to announce is a special pre-show celebration dinner: a Soulful Summer three-course vegetarian meal prepared and served by Club Ave 9’s Jeff “da Chef” Rosen. Come get some good eats and good seats! Dinner ticket holders will be allowed early entry into the venue, with dinner seating in the main hall beginning at 7:00 pm and ending promptly by 8:00. Tickets for dinner and the show are $35, with a portion of dinner proceeds also going to benefit Ashkenaz.

This is a Community Benefit Night to raise funds for Ashkenaz, the all-ages world dance hall. Beginning with a salute to Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday in 2011, musicians have donated their time and talents in a creative and inspiring series of tributes, every few months honoring a different musician, band, or year, and supporting the nonprofit local institution that is Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center.