A common attire
Local classic rock deejay Scott Man stood on the backyard stage Sunday afternoon August 10, 2008, and with a raise of his beer and a toast, officially kicked off the annual Jerry Fest.
“Let’s raise them up for Jerome John Garcia.”
The man
The toast was brief but poignant. It gently reminded the guests who packed the backyard lawn at The Boathouse that Jerry Fest was in honor of one man, Jerry Garcia. One of the founding members of The Grateful Dead, Garcia’s birthday is Aug.1.
Enter the band Cosmic Charlie out of Athens, GA. The jam-banders went through a routine sound check then played signature tracks, some lasting upwards of 10 minutes. The crowd responded immediately. Dancing on the lawn began with carefree spins and rocking.
IT WAS A SCENE, MAN
Of all the events through The Boathouse’s summer concert series, Jerry Fest was the most crowded.
At least 30 boats dropped anchor nearby or docked by the wooden planks of The Boathouse. Nearly every inch of the lawn was covered with people standing, sitting in lawn chairs or atop blankets. It must have been a long but rewarding day for the servers and bartenders.
Not only did the servers mind to their tables, they had to make the obstacle-ridden trip through the backyard, down some stairs and across a dock with takeout orders for boaters. The option is a great perk for those wanting to take advantage of The Boathouse’s variety of menu items. However at Jerry Fest, the servers had to dance their way through the throngs of audience members, sometimes carrying up to five beverages.
Also setting up shop were artisans and specialty clothing companies. The Boathouse lets vendors sell their goods for no charge so long as they aren’t pushing food or drink.
All in all, smiles were many. It was a people-watcher’s dream. Everywhere you looked, people were grooving to the jams. Everyone was grateful.
