With the star-studded Dear Jerry tribute event fast-approaching, fans have been curious how all of the bands listed will be able to perform in one night. Now, producer Keith Wortman has shared some insight about the programming of the event.
Wharton says that the show will be broken into two sets, with one focusing on full bands like Billy & the Kids, O.A.R., Widespread Panic, The Disco Biscuits, and the second focusing more on individual artists. Most performers will only play one song, though there will be “a handful of folks doing more than one song, and yes, there’ll be some very unique sit-ins and duets and collaborations throughout the night.” He also noted that the show will begin at 7 PM sharp and last four hours.
There will also be a backing band for the individual artists, complete with guitarists Audley Freed and Buddy Miller, drummer Raymond Weber, keyboardist Matt Rollings, bassist Don Was (the promoter for the event), and backing vocalists the McCrary Sisters.
Meanwhile, Bill Kreutzmann has told the Washington Post that he would be open to a sit-in with the “Core Four” members Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bob Weir, who are all included in the lineup but not scheduled to play together. “I would gladly share the stage with Phil and Mickey and Bob if that opportunity arises. I won’t even know until we start rehearsing for that show coming up but that’s the thing I do: I like playing music.”
The full lineup includes Mickey Hart, Billy & The Kids, Bob Weir, Allen Toussaint, Bruce Hornsby, Buddy Miller, David Grisman, Eric Church, Grace Potter, Greensky Bluegrass, Jimmy Cliff, Jorma Kaukonen, Los Lobos, moe., O.A.R., Peter Frampton, Railroad Earth, the Disco Biscuits, Trampled by Turtles, Widespread Panic, Yonder Mountain String Band and Communion featuring Phil Lesh, Stu Allen, Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Alex Koford and Jason Crosby.
[Via Jambands]