The dash on a gravestone represents that bittersweet span from birth to when we leave this plane of existence. What we leave behind becomes memories—and even those fade. We brush against immortality only when our contributions inspire people to remember. No one alive today heard Mozart perform a piano sonata, yet his sonatas are played every day. More than 230 years after his death, he lives on in his music.
The Grateful Dead performed and toured for thirty years, ending in 1995 with the passing of Jerry Garcia. Their music shaped countless lives and created an American subculture that’s stronger today than ever. Sayings, symbols, and songs define those who belong and invite others to join. At the core are the songs and musicianship that forever define the group and its architect, Jerry Garcia. Jerry was born August 1, 1942, and left us on August 9, 1995—53 years that brought joy and light to the world. It’s fitting that we celebrate these nine days as “The Days Between.”
Terrapin Flyer has made “The Days Between” an annual event, filling each day with joyous music. I caught them this year at Shoreline Brewery, which hosted several bands throughout the series. The venue was packed but not overcrowded.
Wavy Dave, Terrapin Flyer’s bassist, covered “Box of Rain” in a nod to Phil Lesh. He was using a new effects filter to emulate Phil’s sound and was in great spirits. I asked why this event matters to him. His answer was simple: the music makes people dance—just because.
Keyboardist Michael Cole brought spirit and soul to every tune. What makes “The Days Between” special for him is the deep dive into songs that don’t get played often. The band plays all nine days and tries to do something different at each show. That means digging into the catalogs of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and Jerry’s many other projects to find just the right songs for each night.
I asked a concertgoer what connects her to the music. She comes from a family of Deadheads and grew up with the music filling her childhood. It soothes her, lifts her spirits, and helps make sense of the world. She was there with her children, passing the good vibes to a new generation.
Lead guitarist Josh Olken is too young to have seen Jerry live, but his inspired playing makes you think otherwise. He channels the sound and feeling of every note. I joked that his thick, dark beard makes him look like a young Jerry. His favorite part of this series is that it’s a memorial without being sad. For such a young player, he really gets it: Jerry was about being happy—a human shot of dopamine, spreading the good vibes to everyone.
I caught the band’s drummer, Pete Lundholm, during a break and asked for his take. For him, it’s the joy of playing with friends and bringing joy to the people. Pete does the work of two drummers, keeping time and adding accents that move the stories along. He makes it all look easy, even during long solos.
Another fan stopped me to ask about Grateful Web, and I took the opportunity to welcome her into the community. She grew up with the Dead—more than most. Mickey Hart inspired her to pivot from business and become a trauma nurse. She says music helps her patients relax and begin healing. We’re all better for her choice.
I finally caught Doug Hagman, the band’s rhythm guitarist and guiding light, on a break. He remembers the day Jerry died. Black clouds gathered over downtown Chicago—and in Doug’s heart. The only way he could handle the pain was to play. It started as a jam party; five years later he formed a band and kept playing the music that brings him joy. As Doug puts it: there are people today who are too young ever to have heard the Dead live, yet Jerry and the band are more popular than ever. “I have the greatest job in the world—making people feel better,” he says. He certainly does, with a voice that brings back the feeling and timbre.
Terrapin Flyer performs around the world and can be found every August, celebrating the life and legacy of Jerry Garcia. Find tour dates and more at Terrapin Flyer
