Carrying on the music and magic of the Grateful Dead, all while adding their own special touch, Joe Russo's Almost Dead is one of our favorite bands in the jam scene and beyond. But anyone who knows anything about the Grateful Dead knows it's not only about the music, it's about the community. It’s never just a show. It’s all about the shared experience and accepting others for who they are. In honor of Joe Russo's birthday, here are 10 Grateful Dead Quotes That Sum up Why We Keep Seeing Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

1. "Without love in the dream it will never come true."

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Thanks to Joe Russo and the hard work, love, sweat, and determination of the band, we're able to continue the spirit of the Grateful Dead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOOOuGtUPeI

2. "Inspiration, move me brightly."

We all need some inspiration at different times in our lives. We're so thankful that Joe Russo's Almost Dead came to us at the perfect time and they've been changing our lives ever since. It's been a beautiful ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teXGB49jDjU

3. "If you get confused just listen to the music play."

No matter how we’re feeling, whether we find ourselves on top of the world or down in a rut, Joe Russo's Almost Dead never fails to inspire and make us feel better. It's a potent medicine of the soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJIhym--bIE

4. "You just gotta poke around."

What we love most about this crazy life is the journey of it! Thanks to Joe Russo's Almost Dead, we're finding adventure around every corner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiTbRsGf_RQ

5. "Love will see you through."

Thanks to Joe Russo's Almost Dead, we've found a community of people who love and inspire us. The love of friends will help you over the rough times ahead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahMkkFjpysQ

6. "Sometimes we live no particular way but our own."

We live in our own little world. But it's okay, they know us here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDpvn2l6080

7. "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile."

Whenever we look back and plan ahead, we can't help but smile. We will never forget these times we've shared and the new memories we have yet to make thanks to Joe Russo's Almost Dead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJKqA_4u1QE

8. "Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right."

Music lets us see that there is light despite all of the darkness in the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy7QdOdgzN4

9. "While the music plays the band, lord, they're setting us on fire."

If there's one band that promises to set us on fire, it's Joe Russo's Almost Dead! Their high-energy renditions of the Grateful Dead's music along with their vibrant stage presence and strong musicianship makes for an insanely memorable live show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpnxPzYqh90

10. "Let there be songs to fill the air."

The music of the Grateful Dead and the community that they created will live forever! These songs will continue to remain in our hearts and minds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwgKhdzJN7k