San Jose stakes claim as home of 1st official Grateful Dead concert

"The Grateful Dead will forever be associated with San Francisco, the epicenter of the '60s hippie movement in which the band did indeed play a prominent role during its less-than-two-year stay at 710 Ashbury St. But the first official Grateful Dead show was actually performed some 65 miles south of Haight Ashbury in San Jose on Dec. 4, 1965. It's a relatively little-known fact,"

"That could change on Dec. 4 when City of San Jose officials plan to finally unveil a plaque at City Hall 60 years after that historic first Grateful Dead concert took place celebrating the connection between the Bay Area's most populous city and the most-famous jam band of all time. This is about more than commemorating a concert it's about recognizing San Jose's pivotal role in music history,"

"This is where the Grateful Dead first played under that name, and this plaque will ensure that story lives on for generations. The ceremony, announced today, will see city officials place the plaque outside on the south-facing wall of the City Council Chambers building near where the first Grateful Dead show went down in a home located at 38 S. Fifth Street. The dedication ceremony, which includes speakers and entertainment, begins at 4:45 p.m. and is open to the public."

Grateful Dead are associated with San Francisco, but the band's first official show occurred in San Jose on Dec. 4, 1965. The group originated in the Palo Alto/Menlo Park area and was often marketed as a San Francisco band. City of San Jose officials will unveil a plaque at City Hall on Dec. 4 for the 60th anniversary of that first performance. San Jose Rocks, led by Dan Orloff and Mark Purdy, spearheaded the plaque campaign. The plaque will be placed on the south-facing wall of the City Council Chambers near 38 S. Fifth Street. A public dedication ceremony with speakers and entertainment begins at 4:45 p.m.

Read at www.mercurynews.com