Author: Len Dell’Amico on Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead

Thursday, 7/31/2025
6:00 - 7:30
Koret Auditorium
Koret Lobby
Main Library
Address

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

Contact Telephone

Friend of the Devil book cover

Discover the inside story of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead from filmmaker Len Dell’Amico, joined by music journalist Dean Budnick.

Hear firsthand stories of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead from filmmaker Len Dell’Amico, one of the few non-band members welcomed into their inner circle. Dell’Amico directed and produced iconic concert films and music videos for the band from 1980 to 1995. His memoir, Friend of the Devil, offers an intimate portrait of Garcia’s artistry, generosity and the creative energy that defined an era.

Dell’Amico has worked with artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles and Carlos Santana. His longstanding collaboration with Jerry Garcia led to major projects including So Far, “Hell in a Bucket,” and the band’s first national pay-per-view concert. He continues to work in film and lives in Marin County.

Budnick, editor-in-chief of Relix, author of Ticket Masters and co-writer of The Music Never Stops, joins filmmaker Len Dell’Amico for a conversation about art, access and the lasting impact of the Dead. Budnick’s work spans books, film, podcasts and journalism, all focused on the culture of live music.

Books will be sold by our friends at Borderlands Books, with a signing to follow.

This event is part of San Francisco’s citywide celebration of Jerry Day, honoring the life and legacy of Jerry Garcia.

Connect: 

Len Dell’Amico – Website

Dean Budnick - Website


 

 


Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Connect with your community through Library gatherings.

Enjoy performances, talks and workshops that celebrate movement and the musical arts.


This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.


Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.


Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.