With the intentions of allowing a musical legacy to live on, The Capitol Theatre has been entrusted with Jerry Garcia’s iconic guitars. Made possible by the Grateful Guitars Foundation, the loan of the two legendary instruments will now be displayed for viewing as living pieces of music history in Port Chester, New York.
The Grateful Dead occupies a space in American culture unlike any other. Their transformative nature made them not just a band, but pioneers of a community-driven music culture. In the wake of Bob Weir’s passing on January 10, the Grateful Dead’s legacy has taken on renewed significance. Both Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia showed American music could function as a movement, treating music as experience rather than polished product.
The Capitol Theatre reinforces that sentiment at its venue Garcia’s. The performance space named in honor of renowned guitarist, opened in 2013, in partnership with Garcia’s family. As a favorite stage of the musician, the guitars add to the array of rare photos, artwork, and memorabilia. Fans can visit the musical destination to experience the tribute instruments and communal atmosphere firsthand. The influence of the Grateful Dead lives on as the jam band community continues to keep its enduring spirit alive.
The Guitars loaned by the nonprofit include two of Garcia’s primary instruments – “Rosebud,” built by luthier Bob Fishman of 8West Guitars, became Garcia’s central instrument in the early 1990s. The guitar and its aura of innovation and artistry remain closely tied to that era of his career. Doug Irwin delivered the guitar to Jerry Garcia in 1989, and musicians have played it onstage ever since. Built with Granadillo, Western Big Leaf Maple, Padauk, and Ebony, the guitar carries its legacy across generations, playing the same free-spirited energy in the venue.
“Tiger,” built by Kevin Burkett of Travis Bean Designs / Electrical Guitar Company, became Garcia’s primary instrument throughout the 1980s. Doug Irwin delivered the guitar to Jerry Garcia in 1979. Crafted in acrylic with an aluminum neck, the instrument features OBEL wiring, reflecting his innovative sound during the period.
Find more information about Garcia’s here.
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