VENUE CELEBRATES THE LIFE, MUSIC AND CULTURAL IMPACT OF JERRY GARCIA’S LEGACY

INITIAL SHOW CALENDAR FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY GRAHAME LESH & FRIENDS FEAT. DANIEL DONATO, BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA, GRACE POTTER, THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND, BENMONT TENCH AND MORE

FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY LOWDER-TASCARELLA HOSPITALITY GROUP (THE NOMAD, THE MODERN)

SET TO OPEN MARCH 21ST, 2025

Garcia’s Chicago, a 300-capacity concert venue and restaurant celebrating Jerry Garcia’s extraordinary legacy, will open March 21st, 2025, in the heart of the West Loop, one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods. This new venture is the latest from Peter Shapiro and Dayglo Presents (Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre, Bearsville Theater, etc) in partnership with the Jerry Garcia Family. The venue honors the lead guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of the Grateful Dead’s eclectic artistry and heritage, drawing from his Spanish roots and Northern Californian upbringing, as well as his deep connections to Jazz, Americana, and World Music. Dubbed “one of Chicago’s most anticipated openings of 2025” (Eater), Garcia’s Chicago isn’t just a venue; it’s a living, breathing tribute to an artist whose influence transcends generations.

Garcia’s Chicago not only honors Jerry but his family history as well — both of Jerry’s parents were musicians and in the bar business. His father, Joe Garcia, owned and operated a bar in San Francisco, and Jerry’s mother, Ruth, took it over after his passing. Later in his life, Jerry discussed the possibility of opening a club of his own, where he could host intimate jams and support up-and-coming musicians. Now, that dream is finally being realized in Chicago.

“Our venue reflects the things that Jerry loves – his connection to tradition, his spirit of exploration, and his appreciation for good, honest experiences,” said Shapiro. “This is a place where Jerry’s essence is felt, not forced – a tribute to his life, without reducing him to a caricature. It’s celebrating the man behind the music, in a space that honors his spirit with respect, thoughtfulness, and creativity.”

“Our father had envisioned a space where he could be off the road and close to home- a place he was going to call ‘Casa Garcia,’” said Trixie Garcia. “The idea was to create a live music club with a comfortable atmosphere for artists and guests. A place where Jerry could get his musical fix without going on the road. In that spirit, we are pleased to collaborate with Pete Shapiro on the opening of ‘Garcia’s’ where together we will build community, create memories and, above all else, make music! We invite you to relax and enjoy our version of ‘third space.’”

Music is the soul of Garcia’s, and the venue’s programming reflects the breadth and depth of Jerry’s artistic passions. With state-of-the-art acoustics powered by Meyer Sound, a full multitracking and live-streaming setup, and an intimate stage, Garcia’s provides a platform for established legends and emerging talent alike. In partnership with veteran Chicago promoter Michael Berg of Deep Cut,  the venue’s booking will feature a diverse and dynamic lineup, ensuring that every performance captures the magic of live music that Jerry deeply cherished—whether it’s a night of jazz, jam bands, bluegrass, or world music.

The initial show calendar features performances by Grahame Lesh & Friends feat. Daniel Donato, Blind Boys of Alabama, Grace Potter, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Benmont Tench, and many more. See the full list below.

Designed by Bob Quellos of local Chicago architectural firm fc STUDIO with the collaboration of designer Tristam Steinberg on branding and environment, the venue’s interiors draw inspiration from the places and moments that defined Jerry’s life. The experience blends Californian arts & crafts and mid-century modern aesthetics with a psychedelic flair, evoking the warmth, community and creativity of San Francisco in its heyday. The venue’s walls showcase original artwork, unseen family photos, vintage movie posters, records, books, and even cassettes that once inspired Jerry.

Garcia’s world-class food and beverage program is an inspired reflection of Jerry’s diverse tastes and life experiences. Developed by the acclaimed team at Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality Group — known for their work at NoMad, The Modern, and award-winning luxury restaurants and hotels globally — the menu brings together flavors from Jerry’s Spanish roots, Northern California upbringing (“Spain meets San Francisco”), and Jerry’s love for American comfort food. The kitchen, led by Executive Chef and proud Chicago native Ivy Carthen, offers approachable, elevated dishes that are as eclectic and adventurous as Jerry’s music with “gentle nods” to his biography. The first-rate beverage program features a thoughtful mix of craft cocktails, zero-proof options, and premium wines and beers created by the LTH cocktail team led by award-winning mixologist Chris Lowder. The cocktails not only play on the “Spain meets San Francisco” theme but also reflect other important places from Jerry’s biography (Appalachia, Egypt, Hawaii), as well as highlight some of his most loved solo material (an elevated tequila-soda called “Mission In The Rain,” a White-Russian variant called “Russian Lullaby, and more).

Garcia’s Chicago is equipped with an array of modern amenities to ensure an unforgettable experience. The venue features a full backline, the latest Yamaha DM7 console, and a complete multitracking system to capture every performance. The venue will also offer 4K live-streams and a state-of-the-art lighting package to enhance the atmosphere.

With its dedication to community, live music, and world-class food and drinks, Garcia’s Chicago is set to become a cherished gathering place and immersive experience celebrating Jerry’s legacy and artistry.

GARCIA’S CHICAGO 2025 LINEUP:

March 21-23, 2025: Grahame Lesh & Friends feat. Daniel Donato

March 30, 2025: Blind Boys of Alabama

Apr 4 – 5, 2025: LaMP

Apr 8, 2025: Dave & Dave (of Trampled by Turtles)

Apr 10 – 11, 2025: Keller Williams

April 12 – 13, 2025: Krasno Moore Project

Apr 19, 2025: Octave Cat

Apr 24, 2025: An Intimate Evening with Grace Potter

Apr 25, 2025: The Grateful String Band

Apr 26, 2025: The Travelin’ McCourys

Apr 29, 2025: Joey Alexander (2 sets)

May 2nd, 2025: Sam Grisman Project

May 3rd, 2025: Dave Bruzza (of Greensky Bluegrass)

May 8th, 2025: HARTLISS (Brendan Bayliss of Umphrey’s McGee & Jennifer Hartswick of Trey Anastasio Band)

May 9th, 2025: Shitty Limo (Brendan Bayliss + Jake Cinninger of Umphrey’s McGee)

May 10, 2025: Tom Hamilton (of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead)

May 11, 2025: Artemis (2 sets)

May 15, 2025: Benmont Tench

May 16 – 17, 2025: BALTHVS

May 22, 2025: Cris Jacobs Band ft. Luther Dickinson

May 23, 2025: Frank Catalano Band

May 25th, 2025: Hot Buttered Rum with special guest Allie Krall –

May 30-31, 2025: Holly Bowling

June 4th, 2025: Drayton Farley

June 6-7, 2024: Matteo Mancuso (2 sets per night)

June 14, 2025: phoffman (of Greensky Bluegrass)

June 19-21, 2025: Preservation Hall Jazz Band

June 25, 2025: Mikaela Davis

June 29, 2025: Town Mountain

August 31, 2025: JoJo Hermann (of Widespread Panic)

September 5-6, 2025: George Porter Jr & Runnin Pardners

September 18, 2025: Susto

September 12-13, 2025: God Street Wine

October 25, 2025: Dezron Douglas Quartet

Nov 6, 13, & 20, 2025: Dogs In A Pile (3 week residency)