Deadhead Halloween Show Raises Money for Grateful Guitars

"The band that is playing this Halloween show is a deep dish of Dead virtuosos, and the concerts raise awareness and money for the Grateful Guitar Foundation, a compelling nonprofit that gets instruments into students' hands, and beautifully constructed Garcia knock-offs into the hands of the usually very broke musicians who play in Dead-related bands."

"I have seen firsthand the effects of a long-term investment in music and education. During a time where that is not heavily supported, it feels like a good time to do these shows,"

"Music and art provides an avenue for expression that we don't otherwise have. Your creative thinking does wonders for your mental health. Deadwood Halloween gives you an ability to give back to your community and add value in the world that you occupy. I'm a big believer in that."

San Jose will install a plaque in December marking the Grateful Dead's first performance as the Grateful Dead at a house gig in 1965. Local venues have hosted major Dead-related events, including Fare Thee Well concerts at Levi's Stadium and the annual Deadwood Halloween shows at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. Deadwood Halloween features accomplished Grateful Dead musicians and raises funds for the Grateful Guitar Foundation, which places instruments with students and provides Garcia-style guitars to often cash-strapped Dead-related musicians. Multi-instrumentalist Alex Jordan helps organize and performs at these events. Jordan emphasizes sustained music education and his father, Jay Jordan, has taught music at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo since 1977.

Read at Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly