Amphitheatre Performance of Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir

Regarding Jim Washburn’s review of Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (“Jerry Garcia-Bob Weir Show Lackluster,” May 22): The only evidence I can find in the article that he actually attended the show was his references to the geek from Venice Beach playing guitar and a reference to “I Shall Be Released.”

I think Washburn looked at this show from the wrong perspective. He was looking for the Grateful Dead, who weren’t billed there. If he wanted the Dead, he should have gone there Feb. 10 through 12. Did he really expect rock ‘n’ roll from Weir during an acoustic set? Come on now! The only problem I had with his performance was the equipment problem with the guitar. You know, people actually liked “Fever,” “Twilight Time” and “Blackbird.” What did he expect, a drum solo to go with it?

If you look at the history of the Jerry Garcia Band, you’ll find that a rhythm guitar has never been used. Again, you’re looking for the Dead and not the Jerry Garcia Band. Also, Mr. Garcia almost never speaks directly to an audience except through his music. Garcia’s music ranged from reggae to blues and to rock, which the review seemed to have missed. Washburn mentioned that Garcia “meandered out to pasture” on “Don’t Let Go.” Some people would call it a pretty good jam, especially the way the band eased back into the song to finish it up.

The next time Washburn goes to review a show, he should be aware of the music that’s to be played. Obviously, he never listened either to a Bob Weir or Jerry Garcia album. Do your homework, pal, and maybe they’ll let you out of Orange County!

THOMAS BERRY

Anaheim