Today we celebrate the birthday of Jerry Garcia, one of the most beloved musicians of all time. Jerry Garcia would have turned 74 today and although he is no longer with us, the spirit, music, and joy he brought to our community has never left. During 1970 - 1971, the Grateful Dead conjured 18 magical shows at The Cap that forever changed the Port Chester community.

Jerry Garcia once said, “See, there’s only two theaters, man… that are set up pretty groovy all around for music and for smooth stage changes, good lighting and all that – the Fillmore and The Capitol Theatre. And those are the only two in the whole country.”

To honor the life of Jerry Garcia, we took “Lil’ Jerry” on an adventure through the town and venue he loved so much. Such a long time to be gone and a short time to be there…

"This old engine makes it on time"

Today, a legend returns. Jerry Garcia returns to The Capitol Theatre to embark on a day of adventures before he takes his place on The Capitol Theatre stage, like he once did 18 times before.

"Laid back in an old saloon, with a peso in my hand"

After his long travels, lil' Jerry goes to Taquieria La Picardia to grab some of their world-famous tacos. A staple spot for Deadheads, deemed “The Hippie House”, La Picarda is adorned with trinkets and other memorabilia, given to the owner by those who knew that we had found a special place. The walls are adorned with Grateful Dead memorabilia from stickers, tapestries, posters, and a wooden plaque made for the owner and engraved with “La Picarda, Do You Want My Taco?”

"The flame from your stage has now spread to the floor"

Feeling full and satisfied, Jerry makes way to the Port Chester Fire Department. Founded in 1823, the Port Chester Fire Department has paid homage to the Grateful Dead in many ways. In the early 1990’s George Szczerba, at the time an 18-year-old mechanic, was the first Deadhead to join the department. Szczerba stitched a red, white, and blue, Grateful Dead logo onto the sleeve of his jacket, and the rest is history. The firehouse is now home to Grateful Dead inspired trucks that read “Going to hell in a bucket” on the backside, along with the Grateful Dead skulls that highlight the spirit of the Grateful Dead and what they contribute to the Port Chester community.

"Old and in the way, that's what I heard them say"

As Jerry steps into Garcia’s, the lobby bar of The Capitol Theatre, he turns and sees his old banjo displayed upon the wall. Donated to Garcia’s by the Garcia family, the banjo is a relic that holds the spirit of Jerry and reflects the imprint that he has left on The Capitol Theatre and the village of Port Chester. Jerry takes a look at his banjo and he stops by to "dust off those rusty strings just one more time.”

"Reach out your hand if your cup be empty"

After an impromptu jam-session on his beloved banjo, Jerry takes a seat at the bar and grabs himself a crisp, cool brew. Paying tribute to Jerry, Garcia’s is an intimate venue home to Grateful Dead tribute bands, and local rising talent. With multiple shows a week, and several local micro-brews on tap, Garcia’s is a laid-back environment where people can discover new music and celebrate the old. “Don’t worry about tomorrow, Lord, you’ll know when it comes. When the rock and roll music meets the risin’ sun.”

"Standing in the clothes you once wore"

Jerry makes his way towards the merchandise booth where he sports some merch from The Cap and sells snacks to his fans. It wouldn’t be a show at The Capitol Theatre if you didn’t check out the merch table. From t-shirts to hats and hoodies, you can match some of your favorite musicians, such as Phil Lesh, in Cap threads singing, “Goin' where the climate suits my clothes.”

“If you get confused, just listen to the music play"

Entering The Capitol Theatre audience, Jerry looks up and admires the golden domed theatre, and squirrel engravings in the walls. As he sits on the barricade, he reflects on the good times that he’s shared on The Cap stage with his fellow band members.

"A lovely view of heaven"

Scaling The Capitol Theatre steps, Jerry takes his place in the Presidential Booth. The Cap's Presidential Booths are home to the best seat in the house, with views of the stage, band members, and audience patrons feeling free and easy. Jerry thinks, “I don’t worry, ‘cause I’m sitting on top of the world.”

"Waits backstage while I sing to you"

Before it’s time to get up on the stage, Jerry takes a relaxing seat on the dressing room couch. Surrounded by wallpaper imprinted with colorful guitar picks, and hardwood floors straight form the Coney Island Boardwalk, this secluded space is the perfect setting to get in the mindset of a performer. Reminiscing on the old days with his band members, Jerry thinks to himself, “When everybody’s dancin’ in a ring around the sun. Nobody’s finished, we ain’t even begun.”

“He had his share of friends and good times. Now, those friends have all passed on.” The village of Port Chester and the surrounding community has allowed the spirit of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful dead to live on in magnificent ways. Thank you to everyone who has kept Jerry in their hearts. Thank you, for a real good time!