An Intimate Look Into Jerry Garcia’s World
Filmmaker Len Dell’Amico, one of the few non-band members welcomed into the inner circle of Grateful Dead, will share firsthand stories of Jerry Garcia and the band at a free event this July at the San Francisco Main Library. Dell’Amico, who directed and produced iconic concert films and music videos for Grateful Dead from 1980 to 1995, will discuss his memoir, Friend of the Devil: My Wild Ride with Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead, which offers an intimate portrait of Garcia’s artistry and the creative energy that defined an era. At a time of tremendous creative growth and record sales, Dell’Amico was at Garcia’s side as a trusted voice when Grateful Dead became a force in the 1980s.
Joining Dell’Amico for this conversation will be Josh Budnick, editor-in-chief of Relix, author of Ticket Masters and co-writer of The Music Never Stops. Together, they will explore themes of art, access and the lasting impact of Grateful Dead.
Dell’Amico’s extensive career includes collaborations with renowned artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles and Carlos Santana. In partnership with Garcia, they produced the historic first national pay-per-view broadcast in the USA, from Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1980, the bestselling award-winning home video So Far in 1988, a series of ground-breaking live-concert broadcasts from 1987 to 1991 and two classic music videos, “Hell In A Bucket” and “Throwing Stones” to promote the band’s hit album In The Dark. He continues to work in film and resides in Marin County.
Books will be available for purchase from Borderlands Books, followed by a signing session with Dell’Amico. This event is part of San Francisco’s citywide celebration of Jerry Day, honoring the life and legacy of Jerry Garcia. For your full guide to this year's Grateful Dead Anniversary Events, visit SF Travel’s 60th Anniversary site.
Len Dell’Amico on Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead – July 31, 6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium
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San Francisco Public Library connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities and each other. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.