Who knew that legendary guitarist and rock icon, Jerry Garcia, loved diving and was a fierce activist for protecting our oceans?
Garcia’s passion for environmental causes hits home on Friday, March 31 from 5:30 – 9pm when the History of Diving Museum hosts a special “Dive Into Art & Music” celebration at the Safe Harbor Angler House in Islamorada.
Garcia and his prolific rock band, the Grateful Dead, came out of the psychedelic era of the 1960s, transcending stylistic, sociological and generational barriers. Garcia’s long, strange trip came to an end in 1995 after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of just 53 years old. During his final decades, Garcia and the Grateful Dead still played an average of 100 to 150 live shows per year. Frequently performing to sold-out audiences, the band attracted a dedicated following of college kids who weren’t even born when the Grateful Dead first topped the charts.
Despite Garcia’s early demise, his legacy still lives on thanks to the Jerry Garcia Foundation – a non profit organization which was established by Jerry’s family to support environmental, artistic and humanitarian causes.
The Foundation recently donated limited-edition museum quality giclees of Garcia’s original art to the History of Diving Museum. The museum will be selling these fine art works during its upcoming “Dive Into Art & Music” event on March 31. Each piece is hand-signed by Jerry’s daughter, Keelin, and his wife, Manasha and also includes a JGF Edition Certificate of Authenticity.
The opening performance for this rockin’ night under the stars is the Schells & Vine Trio, with a special music set by guests Tony Saunders and Jair-Rohm Parker Wells. Headlining the concert is performer Waynard Scheller and his band, Rainbow Full of Sound, who will provide a special musical tribute experience with many of Jerry Garcia’s favorite tunes. Dead fans will also be treated to a special appearance by Jerry Garcia Archivist, Peter Agelasto.
FYI: Reserve early! There will only be a limited number of general admission tickets available at $35 per person. Other options include: Poolside access, dinner by Mona’s Reggae Catering, and admission to the History of Diving Museum for $100 per person. VIP tickets are also available for $3,000 and include your very own signed giclee, reserved seating, dinner for four, poolside access, and a family pass to the History of Diving Museum.
The event will be held rain or shine, and if unable to attend, you can view and purchase any remaining art at the museum. Tickets available on-line: DivingMuseum.org/events-calendar
The History of Diving Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Islamorada (MM83). Divers and non-divers alike are amazed by over 4,000 years of “the quest to explore under the sea.” The Museum has 14 core exhibits plus two annual limited-time Featured Exhibits as well as a Museum Store with unique gifts. Check out DivingMuseum.org for more details, to become a member, or shop online.
