By ANJELIE ELDREDGE
Four years ago on August 9, the Grateful Dead’s lead singer and guitarist, Jerry Garcia, died of a heart attack.
It may be hard for some to understand why news announcing the passing of an electric guitar artist has affected so many lives, because for many, the Grateful Dead isn’t known for anything other then dancing bears, skulls, tie-died clothes and a band’s love of drugs and the 60’s.
Yet, to certain “Deadheads,” Jerry Garcia stands as an icon, making an impression on the lives of people in virtually every town in America — including Provo.
Mike Masse, a Provo resident and BYU music graduate, is among the admirers that have been inspired by Jerry Garcia. And as a way to pay tribute to the influence Garcia has had on him, Masse’s band will perform a concert in memory of Garcia’s death.
The concert will be held on the actual day of Garcia’s death — August 9th — at Wrapsody in Provo.
Masse’s love for the Grateful Dead’s music is what encouraged him to start the band the Near Dead Experience, which is dedicated solely to the Dead’s music.
“I’m a local musician and I’m also a big Grateful Dead fan,” Masse said. “I’ve played the Dead’s music in my performances, but I thought it would be fun to play their music with a band. So, the year that Jerry Garcia died, I put up fliers and found a couple of people to play with.”
The band played its first concert at Mama’s Cafe, with a good turnout. Wanting a bigger venue, the band secured a spot at Wrapsody with the help of backup singer Karalee Nielson, who was one of the original owners.
Masse, hopes that the Near Dead Experience will help educate those who are interested or curious about the Grateful Dead’s music and, more importantly, dispel any misconceptions people may have.
“The Dead’s music is almost like an American folk band,” Masse said. “They’re jazzy, groovy and fun to dance to. A lot of people think that their music might be negative or eerie because of the skulls and the things they see connected to the Dead, but their music is extremely happy.”
“Every year we’ve always had a lot of energy from the crowd. It’s fun music that is catchy to listen to and fun to dance to.”
Even though Masse feels a variety of people can enjoy the Dead’s music, he said he isn’t able to reach Provo residents because of the Dead’s association with drugs — a legitimate connection considering Garcia died of heart failure in a rehabilitation center because of his drug addiction.
Masse said a change of venue would help attract a wider variety of people.
“We’re considering moving the tribute to Salt Lake City, in hopes of reaching a bigger audience, and also so that we might be able to have a couple of nights of tribute, rather than just one,” he said. “Besides, I’m the only one of the band members who isn’t from Salt Lake.”
Masse’s band includes Nielson and Wendy Jernigan, both back-up singers, Jeff Hall, bass player, Mike Allred and John Buckner, both drummers, Mike Barry, lead guitar, and Masse as lead singer and on rhythm guitar.
Masse expects the band will honorably celebrate the affect Garcia has had on so many lives, and also educate and convert those that don’t know much about the Grateful Dead.
