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Contemporary Jewish Museum

Jay Blakesberg, Jerry Garcia at Frost Amphitheatre, Palo Alto, California, May 1, 1988. © Jay Blakesberg.

Between the Dark and the Light: The Grateful Dead Photography of Jay Blakesberg

Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 12:30–2pm

ADMISSION: Free with Museum admission

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2024-01-28 12:30:00 UTC2024-01-28 23:00:00 UTC America/Los_AngelesThe CJM - 736 Mission St, San Francisco, CABetween the Dark and the Light: The Grateful Dead Photography of Jay BlakesbergEmbark on a “Long Strange Trip” with renowned music photographer Jay Blakesberg as he recounts the music and memories of his journey photographing the Grateful Dead over four decades. Starting with his colorful teenage years in 1970s New Jersey, Blakesberg will tell the story of his wild psychedelic ride following the band and the misfit Deadheads surrounding them—all captured on film through his lens. Join Blakesberg to discover his enthralling adventure, and gain insights into the Grateful Dead and San Francisco’s music culture.

Embark on a “Long Strange Trip” with renowned music photographer Jay Blakesberg as he recounts the music and memories of his journey photographing the Grateful Dead over four decades. Starting with his colorful teenage years in 1970s New Jersey, Blakesberg will tell the story of his wild psychedelic ride following the band and the misfit Deadheads surrounding them—all captured on film through his lens. Join Blakesberg to discover his enthralling adventure, and gain insights into the Grateful Dead and San Francisco’s music culture.

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About the artist

Jay Blakesberg is a San Francisco–based photographer, filmmaker, and public speaker. He is best known for his music photography beginning in 1978. Blakesberg has worked with many legendary artists including the Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Carlos Santana, Tom Waits, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Flaming Lips, and more. His work has been published in thousands of magazines worldwide in addition to books and documentary films. He has published sixteen coffee table books of his work, including fourteen under his self-publishing imprint Rock Out Books. Blakesberg's second solo museum exhibit RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped is on view through July 28, 2024 at The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco.

About the Exhibition

RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped

Travel through some of the most electrifying moments in music history through the lens of Bay Area–based photographer Jay Blakesberg. RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped presents photographs of legendary musicians that reveal the evolution of San Francisco’s unique music culture and its wide-reaching influence. Featuring images of the Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Neil Young, Soundgarden, and many more alongside original tickets stubs, press passes, and other ephemera, this exhibition invites visitors to experience a visual history of the sounds and stories that have shaped the Bay Area and beyond.

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