It is hard to imagine an American rock and roll band that has had more of a cultural impact than the Grateful Dead. Since its formation in San Francisco in the mid-1960s, the music and community surrounding the Grateful Dead has touched the lives of countless individuals. This past Aug. 9 was the 15-year mark of the tragic passing of lead guitarist and front man Jerry Garcia. The music of the Grateful Dead continues to influence American culture in an undeniably profound way.

The free, improvisational nature of the Grateful Dead’s music helped birth an entire lifestyle. The Grateful Dead was at the forefront of the blossoming hippie scene in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Fusing elements of blues, country, bluegrass, folk and jazz and focusing heavily on improvisation, the Grateful Dead created a style of music that was completely and utterly American. The modern American jam band scene exists in the wake of the Grateful Dead, kept alive by bands such as Phish and Widespread Panic. The infectious aura of the Grateful Dead can be felt and fed upon.

Although the Grateful Dead is considered one of the top-grossing touring acts of all time, the band’s music was largely underground. The band never had a commercial hit until the release of its final album, “In the Dark,” which featured the classic Dead tune, “Touch of Gray.” Though never achieving mainstream radio success until years after its prime, the Grateful Dead influenced culture unlike any other band. Its cultlike followers, dubbed Deadheads, dedicated their lives to the band. In the tradition of a traveling circus, Deadheads would travel night after night to see their beloved band.

On Nov. 9, Ames will be receiving a special treat. Further, the newest incarnation of the Grateful Dead that includes original members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, is scheduled to perform at our very own Stephens Auditorium. Furthur features the former lead guitarist of the popular Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra, John Kadlecik, filling in for the late, great Garcia. Garcia’s signature guitar work and vocal tone were an irreplaceable part of the band’s sound; Kadlecik spent his entire career emulating Garcia’s signature sound to a T.

After years of success with Dark Star Orchestra, Kadlecik caught the attention of Weir and Lesh. Dark Star Orchestra existed as musical historians; each night, it would recreate a Grateful Dead show in its entirety. Astounded by Dark Star Orchestra’s dedication to preservation of their music, the two founding members of the Grateful Dead invited Kadlecik to do his best to recreate the musical identity of Garcia, so that the music could go on; Kadlecik agreed and Furthur was born.

I personally believe the spirit and music of the Grateful Dead is pure, old-fashioned Americanism. The Deadheads voraciously travel the country in search of freedom and experience; the Grateful Dead’s music has played the role of soundtrack to the lives and adventures of millions of Americans since the ‘60s. The band’s influence spans generations and its legacy will live on long after it’s gone.

A piece of rock and roll history is coming to Ames, and I urge you all to attend. Even if you had not considered yourself a fan of the Grateful Dead, college is about education, experience and culture, and this is the perfect opportunity to experience an aspect of American culture that has enriched the lives of millions. It may be strange, but in the immortal words of Garcia, “If you get confused, listen to the music play.”