San Jose Rocks: Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead with a Commemorative Plaque
San Jose is gearing up to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead in December following the success of Dead & Company's recent shows in Golden Gate Park. San Jose Rocks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing Santa Clara County's musical history, is planning a commemoration event for the band's first show as the Grateful Dead on December 4, 1965. The performance took place at an "acid test" party at a house on South Fifth Street in downtown San Jose, which is now the location of San Jose City Hall. The organization has completed the design work for a bronze plaque to honor this historic event, with the goal of dedicating it on December 4, 2025.
San Jose Rocks has partnered with the city to raise funds for the 20-by-30-inch bronze plaque, which will feature the band's iconic "Steal Your Face" logo. The nonprofit is relying on contributions from Grateful Dead fans in Silicon Valley and beyond to support the project. Donors who contribute at various levels starting at $125 will receive limited-edition handbills or commemorative posters designed for this cause by artist Stanley Mouse, known for his work on posters for Bill Graham-promoted shows and album covers for the Grateful Dead and Journey. More information about the tribute and how to donate can be found on San Jose Rocks' website.
Even San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who was a young teenager when Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995, is endorsing the project, recognizing the Grateful Dead's significant impact on the city's musical history. Mahan expressed pride in hosting a plaque to honor the band's legacy and their roots in San Jose. The city council meetings may not be as lively as a Dead show, but the plaque will serve as a permanent tribute to the band's beginnings in San Jose. The community is invited to join in celebrating the Grateful Dead's legacy and the historic moment that started it all in the city.