Review: 'The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration' A Wonderful Tribute Held at Ravinia Festival

As the Grateful Dead fans, or what you would call, "Deadheads," united in Ravinia Festival on Sunday evening, it seemed a lot less packed than I hoped it would be. They all came to celebrate the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead in a very bombastic way.

Titled "The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration," it was led by Warren Haynes, who has played with The Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, The Dickey Betts Band and The Dead, Haynes showed that he was the logical choice to lead this celebration of the legacy of Jerry Garcia and the music of the Grateful Dead. Paired with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, Haynes let out his soul on 15 songs paying the ultimate tribute. The program included classical interpretations of timeless standards that were hallmarks of Garcia and the Grateful Dead's music.

Last time this show played in town, it was at The Chicago Theatre. This is the second time around and it couldn't be a more perfect setting. Haynes' band outside of the orchestra included Jeff Sipe (Phil Lesh & Friends, the Aquarium Rescue Unit) on drums, Lincoln Schleifer (Warren Haynes Band, Donald Fagen, Levon Helm) on bass and backup singers Jasmine Muhammed (Warren Haynes Band) and Jaclyn LaBranch (Jerry Garcia Band).

To be honest, I never really listened to the Grateful Dead's music until now. Seeing this concert made me a fan. The orchestra and the lush cinematic scoring to Garcia's music put that magic touch to it and made it more full-sounding. I really hope someone releases this beautiful celebration on CD or DVD, because it really draws you in as a listener.

Haynes played Jerry Garcia's actual guitar throughout the show, so he could definitely get the sound right for this. There were also many "hippies" in the crowd as everyone was dancing in a trance-like state. I guess that's what you see if you go to any Dead-style concert or jam band show. Though, I thought, with a show like this, why would the pavilion and lawn be so empty? It baffles me. Even still, everyone who was there looked like they were having a blast. One person who was definitely having a blast was the conductor, who also doubled playing a mini saxophone on a few tunes and Haynes especially.

There were many great Garcia songs throughout the night, but some of the standout songs of the night included "Uncle John's Band," "Morning Dew," "Here Comes Sunshine," "Touch of Grey," Blues for Allah," "Dark Star/Birdsong," and "Ripple."

Overall, this was a very exciting and enjoyable concert. Easily goes into my Top 10 concerts that I have seen at Ravinia Festival. Haynes will be touring this show around the country, so whether you're a "Deadhead" or not, you owe it to yourself to check this out!

Photos by Russell Jenkins

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