Columbia’s JerryFest Celebrates 10 Years of Music and Art in Five Points

Columbia Celebrates the 10th Annual JerryFest with Music and Art

What a fantastic day it was in Columbia! On October 6, 2024, Five Points transformed into a lively hub of music, creativity, and celebration as it hosted the tenth annual JerryFest. With clear skies and a warm high of 87°F, it was perfect weather to gather and enjoy live performances as well as uncover a fresh artistic gem in the neighborhood.

A Fest to Remember

Originally started as a small tribute to the late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, JerryFest has grown from its humble beginnings into a beloved community event. After Garcia’s passing in 1995, a group of friends organized informal gatherings that eventually found their home in local bars. Fast forward to 2014, and the festival found its way to Five Points, thanks to the efforts of Jenn and Don McCallister, who own Loose Lucy’s, and the Five Points Association. Since then, the festival has filled the air with music every October, bringing folks together in joyous remembrance.

This year’s line-up featured the exciting return of New Potato Caboose, a lively jam band that hadn’t played in Columbia for quite some time. As Don McCallister introduced them on stage, he astutely noted, “Forty years later, New Potato Caboose returns to Columbia!” It was a moment that resonated deeply with many festival-goers, stirring up nostalgic vibes and sparking spontaneous sing-alongs.

Art Unveiling

But the festivities didn’t just stop at music! This year marked a double celebration as Five Points officially welcomed a new piece of public art. The art piece, created by local artist Clark Ellefson, was unveiled during the festival and playfully named “Fritz” after a social media contest held by the Five Points Association. The quirky piece features a “headphone-wearing bearded giant,” situated near the fountain on Saluda Avenue, and serves as a testament to the vibrant creative spirit of the community.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition as it reflects the creativity we have here in Five Points, and to our uniqueness,” said Heather McDonald, Executive Director of the Five Points Association. “It also gives a nod to the music culture in the district which is why we thought JerryFest was the perfect time to unveil our robot head to the community.”

Music & More

As always, JerryFest had something for everyone. Attendees enjoyed an incredible selection of performances throughout the day from a variety of talented bands including JGBCB, Machine Funk, The Grateful Brothers, Ten Mile Ride, and The Columbia Drum Circle. The festival also featured an array of craft vendors, food trucks, and even some entertaining pinball games from Bang Back Pinball Lounge. For families, the event included a special Lil’ Hippie Corner that offered crafts, tie-dye activities, and all sorts of creative fun!

An Evening of Clouds

As the sun began to set, the evening took on a partly cloudy hue but with a slight chance of rain that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The low temperatures were predicted to drop to around 63°F, making for a cozy early autumn night.

Overall, the 10th annual JerryFest was an absolute success, bringing together music lovers, art enthusiasts, and families for a day filled with community spirit and celebration. We can’t wait to see what next year will bring!