Sunny Celebrations Shine at Columbia’s 10th Annual JerryFest Music Festival

Sunny Celebrations at the 10th Annual JerryFest in Columbia!

Columbia, South Carolina, couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day as it rolled out the red carpet for the 10th annual JerryFest music festival on October 6, 2024. With warm sunshine and only a few passing clouds, the festival setting was right – a gorgeous high temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Local music lovers flocked to the vibrant Five Points area, ready to celebrate the life of Jerry Garcia and the arts.

From Small Gatherings to Big Celebrations

Originally rooted in a small gathering following Garcia’s passing in 1995, JerryFest has grown into a beloved annual event. This year marked a special milestone, as Five Points has hosted the festival for a decade. Thanks to the efforts of Jenn and Don McCallister, the owners of Loose Lucy’s, the event found its place in the heart of the community, drawing in crowds from around the area.

Headlining Act: A Legendary Return

This year’s headliner was none other than New Potato Caboose, a jam band with nearly four decades of musical history. The crowd was buzzing with excitement as this favorite act made its long-awaited return to Columbia. “Back in the 80s, these guys used to come to a club called Greenstreets,” said Don McCallister during the band’s introduction. The nostalgia was palpable, and the cheer from the audience echoed through the streets as they welcomed back this timeless act.

An Artistic Unveiling

But that wasn’t all! Alongside the music, the festival also celebrated creativity with the unveiling of a new permanent art installation. Local artist Clark Ellefson introduced his whimsical creation, a “headphone-wearing bearded giant,” which was named “Fritz” after a social media naming contest conducted by the Five Points Association. Five Points Association Executive Director Heather McDonald expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to see this project come to fruition as it reflects the creativity we have here in Five Points.”

More Than Just Music

The festivities at JerryFest included a fantastic lineup of performances, featuring acts like JGBCB, Machine Funk, and The Grateful Brothers. The Columbia Drum Circle added a lively rhythm to the event, keeping spirits high throughout the day. Craft vendors lined the streets with a variety of unique items, while food trucks served up delicious bites for hungry festival-goers. For those looking for some fun and nostalgia, there were pinball games hosted by Bang Back Pinball Lounge and a dedicated Lil’ Hippie Corner offering crafts, tie-dye opportunities, and more!

The Spirit of Community

As people mingled, laughed, and danced, the spirit of community shone through. This was more than just an event; it was a celebration of music, art, and local culture. Families, friends, and even furry companions shared smiles and created memories that would linger long after the last note faded.

A Successful Celebration

With clear skies settling in for the evening and a low temperature of 56 degrees, attendees wrapped up a fantastic day filled with joy and creativity. The 10th edition of JerryFest proved to be a vibrant reminder of how music and art bring people together. Here’s to the next decade of celebrations at Five Points!

So, if you missed this year’s celebration, mark your calendars for next October! You won’t want to miss out on more sunshine, music, and community spirit!