WSLR’s 12th Annual “Very Merry Jerry Day”
Saluting the music of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia

Break out the tie-dye and hula hoops for WSLR’s annual celebration of Jerry Garcia on Sunday, November 7th from 4-9pm. Playing guitar and singing for his band, The Grateful Dead, as well as several others, Garcia took his hippie movement from the 60’s into the 90’s, inspiring the following of millions of long-haired, tie-dye t-shirted, carefree “Deadheads.” Musicians honoring the Dead this year will be Free Range Strange and Dead Set FL.  Food will be provided by the Simply Greek food truck.  

This is a family-friendly event, with kids’ activities and local vendors tabling. Attendees can bring t-shirts, socks, etc. for tie-dying, but no coolers please. Come out and help us re-create the mood and celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead.  Tickets are $12 for WSLR members and $15 for the general public; half-price for students and free for children under 12.  Tickets are available at WSLR.  For more information call WSLR at 941-894-6469.  

Free Range Strange approaches folk music with a fashion their own. The group blossomed from the fierce duo and power couple, Timber and Sunnie Rae in 2015. Since then, they have teamed up with top-notch musicians and road warriors, bringing audiences a plethora of original songs and adding color to timeless hits. FRS has hooted, heckled and howled far and wide to bring their heartfelt brand of Ruckus to stages across Florida. Hard-hitting and passionate, their shows feature a pulsing energy, leaving you with that ‘StRaNgE’ familiar feeling.

Dead Set Florida is a labor of love.  The Tampa Bay-based band performs music of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and other favorites, inspired to carry on the legacy of the greatest musical presence of the 20th century.  Dead Set Florida (DSF) began in 2017 when Christian Walker, born and raised in Upstate New York, decided to continue playing Grateful Dead music live in Tampa Bay. He felt the nudge in his chest telling him to continue doing what he loves so well. After serving for the better part of a decade in Syracuse’s finest Grateful Dead Tribute, Dark Hollow, he moved to Tampa to be closer to family where he followed his heart and searched for like-minded individuals to share the passion and dream of performing regularly throughout the Bay Area. The result is a band that thrives on hard work, has a passion to be better each show, and a band of true musical brothers that continually ‘search for the sound’.

Photos from WSLR