Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash a KZUM Benefit

By Madisyn Hahn
July 30, 2019

On Aug. 2, the annual KZUM Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash Benefit hosted by Bodega’s Alley, located on 1418 O St will be back for another year. Jerry Garcia was the lead guitarist and vocalist for The Grateful Dead and would have turned 77 years old, this year, on Aug. 1.This event brings the Lincoln community together to celebrate his spirit.

Drummer of the featured band The Jerry Pranksters, Tim Zoucha said, “The local Grateful Dead community has always been thankful for KZUM. They provide a diversity of music, this annual Jerry Garcia event and has also provided the on-air Grateful Dead hour for over thirty years.”

Root Marm Chicken Farm Jug Band will start the night at 8:30 p.m. followed by The Jerry Pranksters starting around 10 p.m. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the $5 donation goes to benefiting Lincoln’s local radio station KZUM. There will also be a raffle and door prizes including gift certificates to local businesses, prankster t-shirts and more.

“Definitely one of the main reasons Jerry Pranksters play the benefit every year is to show KZUM how much we appreciate the Grateful Dead hour and all things the station does for the community. Such as promoting live music and the venues that provide live music,” Zoucha said.

As a local community radio station, KZUM has always been intertwined with many of the same ideals that inspire fans of The Grateful Dead. This makes KZUM a natural home for The Grateful Dead Hour and “Deadheads” alike.

“I think the main goal of the Garcia Birthday Bash is always getting more people to be aware of KZUM and help with bigger and better things for the future of the station,” Zoucha said.

For more information about the event, or to RSVP to the event on Facebook.

You can hear The Grateful Dead Hour every weekday 5-6 a.m. and every Wednesday evening 10-11 p.m.