What Would Jerry Want?
June 13th, 2009

What would Jerry want? Most people say that he would not want to be Memorialized. This is actually not a Memorial to Jerry, but a Memorial being made in Memory of Jerry. It is more a Memorial to the counter-culture movement of the 60's & 70's, it's influence on politics, art & music. The movement is very important to today's culture.

The foundations of the whole movement have formed the basis for many of the social changes that are still evolving today. Even greatly influencing the policies of our new President Obama. Call me an idealist, I believe we are heading in a much better direction because of it.

More than anyone, Jerry was the father / musical figurehead for this movement, and of course a great musician. He should be at least recognized for all that he has done.

What would Jerry want? People seem to be in agreement that a Jerry Flower Garden would be OK. That Jerry would like that. There are other memorials to Jerry, made in his likeness, this is not one.

Why call it The Jerry Memorial? This project has evolved. Originally it was going to be a kiosk added to the original Jerry Memorial, that has been in Fairfax since right after Jerry's death. It has been over 13 years now. Then the statue was another possible addition to the current Memorial. Now due to town planning concerns, and the way less than ideal location of the current Memorial. The current Memorial is now away, hidden on an embankment of a parking lot. You could easily walk right by it and not even know it is there. It is barely even viewable because it being blocked by cars on both sides.

The town and I feel a more appropriate place for the statue, is next to and overlooking the main park in Fairfax, Peri Park. More as a work of public art, then a hidden anomaly. The statue does incorporate the feeling of the art of the 60's & 70's and combines it psychedlicized with modern, hi-tech LED, Rainbow Light Art.

It may be possible that the Memorial's name should be changed for something more suitable. Maybe “The 60's Music / Culture Memorial Statue made in Memory of Jerry Garcia.” There is always need and desire for public art and I hope to get enough support from the town and community to make this a reality.

This coincidently has happened in parallel to an concerted effort of others to currently create a Marin Rock & Roll Museum. Hopefully there is enough synergy that we can work together for a common goal and not be redundant or tacky.

The Dead tour of 2009 shows that there is still much interest in the music and culture. So far the support from the community has been very enthusiastic. This is a preliminary proposal and is something I can not do on my own and will need all the support I can get.

Please, if you have any ideas or suggestions, feel free to post them in the comment section of this WEB site or contact me directly.

Oh yeah, the reason Stanley Mouse drew the Tiger face on the guitar, was the name of Jerry's favorite guitar is called The Tiger.