On April 11th, Deadheads, friends, fans, and extended family from around the region made the pilgrimage to the 8x10, in Baltimore to see the newly formed Jerry Tripsters made their fourth appearance together. This performance would be the second of four "Grateful April" concerts at the venue, which relishes the opportunity to have regularly themed runs of shows. What better way to spend a night celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia then with friends and family watching the Jerry Tripsters.

As patrons made their way into the 8x10, they were greeted by familiar and smiling faces. Everyone had a story to share about where their adventures had recently taken them, how they were excited to see this new formation play, and were ready to share delicious goodies and pastries some had brought to share with their community of friends.

This evening felt even more special as Ron Holloway made a last minute guest appearance to jam with the Jerry Tripsters on saxophone. Holloway sat front and center for the entire evening as a wise Buddha, listening and absorbing the music all around, pondering when the right moment to inject his legendary instrument and sound. The audience was in for a special treat as Holloway masterfully intertwined his instrument into the heavenly mix of music and vocals and heart.

Despite this being only the fourth performance, it might as well have been the Tripsters  hundredth performance together as they gleefully smiled at one another and took small nuanced queues and nods from one another as to seamlessly segue from one song or jam. Perhaps it is because this band is comprised of veteran Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia inspired bands around the region (including Better Off Dead, DC Mystery Cats, On The Bus, Stewbone, and Splintered Sunlight), Or perhaps it’s because all members share a deep knowledge and passion for the band's catalog. Or maybe because these are masterful musicians that can blend and bend their instruments with the shifting sands of the musical landscape on stage. Whatever it is, the Jerry Tripsters felt like they were meant to be playing together for this exuberant crowd.

It should be stated that this band is not a note-for-note tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead or Jerry Garcia. What differentiates this band from others is that the performance embraces and is true to the original works, yet more readily welcomes the jam exploration by each artist on stage. The jams are not a vehicle for an explosive guitar or piano solo - rather as collective, the members enjoy taking the journey together finding out where the jam takes them. All the while the bandmates smile, laugh, and musically hug one another on stage and that energy transfers to audience members.  

DC Music Review is excited to see this new band perform and watch where the journey takes them and their fans. Being a new but experienced band, we know there will be many adventures on the road ahead.

Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter might have said it best when they said "So many roads I know. All I want is one to take me home. From the high road to the low. So many roads I know. So many roads, so many roads...So many roads to ease my soul."

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You can learn a little more about the Jerry Tripsters with our exclusive interview with Larry Joseloff.