Chasin' Gus' Ghost

2007

This documentary about the history of jug band music includes an interview with Bob Weir.

This film traces the history from the jug bands of the 1920's, Cannon's Jug Stompers, The Memphis Jug Band and the Dixieland Jug Blowers through the jug band revival in the 1960's. The film comprises archive footage, contemporary live performance and interviews.

Chasin' Gus' Ghost was written and directed by Todd Kwait. The film includes interviews and/or live performances by John Sebastian, Jim Kweskin, Geoff Muldaur, Bill Keith, Maria Muldaur, Fritz Richmond, Bob Weir, Taj Mahal, David Grisman, Charlie Musselwhite, Paul Rishell and Annie Raines.

In the film, Bob Weir recalls his first meeting with Jerry Garcia during a jug band music jam session. Describing the music as "the mud his toes are planted in." Weir credits this encounter for the formation of the band that would ultimately become the Grateful Dead.