JAMerica: The History of the Jam Band and Festival Scene

Da Capo Press

An oral history of the jam band scene which "tells the story of the roots, evolution, values, and passion of the jam band scene in the words of those who know it best."

Includes many references to the Grateful Dead.

JAMerica tells the story of the roots, evolution, values, and passion of the jam band scene in the words of those who know it best. The book is an oral history of the jam band scene, integrating stories from such bands as the Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, Dave Matthews Band, moe., Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, and dozens more. Interviews focus on the history of individual bands and how they communally shaped the larger jam band community, along with songwriting, relationships with fans, business models, and the importance (including the joys and war stories) of touring, including early gigs and venues (e.g. the Wetlands in New York City and the landmark H.O.R.D.E. Festival) that supported the emergence of the jam band scene""