The Grateful Dead were known to incorporate many different styles of music into their performances with inspirations ranging from Indian classical to experimental jazz to disco. One genre which the Dead never really explored too often was that of Latin music, which is a shame considering the high bursts of energy and excitement of which music from those parts of the world bring to the party.
There was one time, however, when Jerry Garcia joined his fellow counterculture-era guitarist in Carlos Santana and Panamanian singer Ruben Blades for a thrilling, Latin-fueled performance at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Roosevelt in August 1989.
The performance at the Hollywood hotel took place on August 2nd, 1989, and was filmed as part of a benefit for the National Hispanic Arts Education Media Institute which aired on SHOWTIME. The event first saw Garcia join Santana to perform a song titled, “Get Uppa”, followed by the Dead guitarist then sitting in with Blades to perform “Muevetel” from the Latin artist’s 1985 Escenas album.
Watch the two performances below. Garcia takes his first solo on “Get Uppa” starting at the 2:30-minute mark, and rips into another thrilling solo during “Muevetel” at 5:40.
Carlos Santana & Jerry Garcia – “Get Uppa” – 8/2/1989
[Video: LoloYodel]
Ruben Blades & Jerry Garcia – “Muevetel” – 8/2/1989
[Video: LoloYodel]