Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on January 7, 2026
Photo credit: Garcia’s / The Capitol Theatre
Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre is proud to announce the loan of two extraordinary tribute guitars from the Grateful Guitars Foundation, now featured at the legendary music venue inside The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. These instruments honor the craftsmanship, innovation, and enduring musical legacy of Jerry Garcia, while reinforcing Garcia’s role as a cultural gathering place for the jamband community.
The guitars are meticulous tributes to two of Jerry Garcia’s most iconic instruments and embody both historical reverence and living musical tradition.
By Luthier Bob Fishman – 8West Guitars
A tribute to the guitar that Doug Irwin delivered to Jerry Garcia in 1989, which became Jerry’s primary guitar throughout the early 1990s. Built with Granadillo, Western Big Leaf Maple, Padauk, and Ebony, it epitomizes the “hippie sandwich” method of guitar construction.
Since its completion in the early 2020s, and in keeping with the mission of the Grateful Guitars Foundation, this guitar has been played onstage by many of the most renowned players devoted to carrying on the legacy of the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia Band.
On loan to Garcia’s courtesy of Andy Logan, Founder of the Grateful Guitars Foundation.
By Kevin Burkett – Travis Bean Designs / Electrical Guitar Company
A tribute to the guitar that Doug Irwin delivered to Jerry Garcia in 1979, which became Jerry’s primary guitar throughout the 1980s. Crafted in acrylic with an aluminum neck, this guitar features OBEL wiring.
On loan to Garcia’s courtesy of Andy Logan, Founder of the Grateful Guitars Foundation.
Fans are invited to visit Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre to see these beautiful instruments up close—rare, living tributes that continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
Artists performing at Garcia’s will also have the opportunity to pull Rosebud down from the wall and play it onstage, most notably during DeadCenter, Garcia’s weekly Grateful Dead tribute night.
DeadCenter celebrates the improvisational spirit, community, and musical exploration that define the Dead’s legacy, and serves as a nod to the legendary Grateful Dead–inspired nights at New York City’s historic Wetlands Preserve. Like Wetlands before it, Garcia’s continues that tradition by creating a welcoming space where the music, the musicians, and the community come together—making DeadCenter the perfect place to hear Rosebud come to life.
Named in honor of the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist, Garcia’s is the iconic music venue within The Capitol Theatre, a beloved space rooted in decades of music history. In partnership with Jerry Garcia’s family, the bar was christened “Garcia’s” in 2013 to honor Garcia’s deep connection to The Capitol Theatre and his legacy in the jamband community.
Garcia’s features rare photos, artwork, and memorabilia celebrating Garcia and the broader music culture he helped shape, and hosts live music, craft beverages, and community gatherings year-round.
Grateful Guitars Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that obtains world-class musical instruments for talented players who seek to carry on the tradition of jam band music into the 21st century and beyond. The foundation identifies musicians who thrive in live settings and secures the gear they need to reach their fullest musical potential.
Through the powerful connection between a skilled player and the highest-quality instrument, the foundation aims to ensure that jam band music thrives for generations of live music fans.
Additionally, to seed the next generation of talented players nationwide, the Grateful Guitars Foundation partners with existing music-education nonprofits supporting instruction in and out of schools, creating opportunities for underserved youth.
Grateful Guitars Foundation board members also share actual stage-played and replica Grateful Dead instruments and gear from their personal collections with players in the community.
