Grateful Dead fans (and everyone else, too) will soon be able to celebrate the music and legacy of the late Jerry Garcia when Garcia’s Chicago, an intimate concert venue and restaurant, opens March 21 in the West Loop.
The establishment, at 1001 W. Washington, is a partnership between Peter Shapiro and Dayglo Presents and the Jerry Garcia Family.
“The venue honors the lead guitarist, vocalist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead’s eclectic artistry and heritage, drawing from his Spanish roots and Northern Californian upbringing, as well as his deep connections to jazz, Americana, and world music,” Monday’s announcement said.
The decor blends California mid-century modern “with a psychedelic flair” highlighted by Garcia’s original original artwork, family photos, vintage movie posters, records, books and cassettes that inspired the legendary guitarist-singer.
Veteran Chicago promoter Michael Berg of Deep Cut will oversee the concert bookings at the 300-person capacity club, highlighting jazz, jam bands, bluegrass and world music. Grahame Lesh & Friends featuring Daniel Donato will headline the opening weekend, March 21-23. Future concerts will be presented by Blind Boys of Alabama (March 30), Keller Williams (April 10-11), Grace Potter (April 24) , Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers founding member Benmont Tench (May 15), and many more.
The food menu has been developed under the auspices of the Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality Group (NoMad, The Modern), and will celebrate “the flavors from Jerry Garcia’s Spanish roots, Northern California upbringing and American comfort food.” The kitchen will be led by Executive Chef and Chicagoan Ivy Carthen. The bar/beverage program, featuring everything from craft cocktails (with zero-proof options) to premium wines and beers, will led by award-winning mixologist Chris Lowder.
Jerry Garcia played his final show with the Grateful Dead in July 1995, at a tour-closing date in Soldier Field. He died a month later, on Aug. 9, 1995, in California.