On Thursday, July 9, Jerry’s Middle Finger rolled its summer tour into the Bearsville Theater for an evening celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia. More than a tribute to Garcia’s catalog, the performance honored the enduring spirit of one of American music’s most beloved artists and the vibrant community that continues to keep his songs alive.

Among the countless tribute acts carrying the Grateful Dead torch, Jerry’s Middle Finger has established itself as one of the premier interpreters of Garcia’s music. Rather than attempting to cover the Dead’s expansive catalog, the Southern California band has carved out its own identity by focusing on Garcia’s solo work, particularly the music of the Jerry Garcia Band. Formed in 2015, the group features Garrett Deloian on lead guitar and vocals, Rodney Newman on drums, Son Vo on bass, Jon Gold on keyboards, and vocalists Halina Janusz and Lisa Malsberger. Joining the band for the evening was special guest Mike Newman on saxophone.

Thursday’s setlist showcased many of the songs that have become staples of the Jerry Garcia Band repertoire. A first set “Sugaree” quickly settled the room into familiar territory. Later, “Love in the Afternoon” found the band locked into the easygoing, soulful groove that became a defining characteristic of the JGB sound. In the second set, a heartfelt rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” felt especially fitting in Woodstock, where Dylan’s musical legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of the community.

Throughout the evening, Garrett Deloian demonstrated why he has become one of the most admired guitarists on today’s tribute circuit. Deloian possesses the rare ability to channel Garcia’s melodic approach without simply recreating a collection of familiar licks. His playing balanced Garcia’s vocal-like phrasing with fluid improvisation, allowing solos to unfold naturally while always serving the song rather than overshadowing it.

Just as essential was the band’s rhythm section. Bassist Son Vo and drummer Rodney Newman remained tightly connected throughout the night, creating a deep, steady groove that anchored every jam. Their intuitive interplay provided the foundation that allowed the rest of the band the freedom to explore.

The scene on the theater floor was as much a part of the performance as the music itself. Throughout the night, Deadheads filled the open space in front of the stage, twirling, spinning, and dancing in the timeless style that has defined the community for decades.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Grateful Dead community has always been its longevity. The Bearsville performance also happened to fall on the 31st anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s final concert with the Grateful Dead, held on July 9, 1995, at Soldier Field in Chicago. While Garcia himself has been gone for more than three decades, the music has never stopped evolving. New generations of fans continue to discover these songs through tribute bands, festivals, and live performances, ensuring that the catalog remains a living, breathing body of work rather than simply a collection of nostalgic memories. Bands like Jerry’s Middle Finger serve as an important bridge between generations, introducing younger audiences to the music while allowing longtime fans to reconnect with songs that have become the soundtrack to countless lives.

By the end of the evening, it was clear that the performance represented something much larger than a tribute concert. It was a celebration of community, connection, and the enduring power of the songs that continue to bring people together.

Jerry’s Middle Finger – Bearsville Theater – Thursday, July 9

Set 1: The Harder They Come, Sugaree, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, When I Paint My Masterpiece, I Saw Her Standing There, Waiting For A Miracle, Everybody Needs Somebody To Love

Set 2: Who Was John?, Tangled Up In Blue, Russian Lullaby, Think, I’ll Take A Melody, Struggling Man, Twilight, I Want To Tell You, Midnight Moonlight