The Rusty Strings

A chance encounter between two Deadheads helped launch the Central Florida band more than a decade ago. Tonight, they’ll honor Garcia’s legacy during “The Days Between.”

The Rusty Strings will return to Ten10 Brewing tonight for the third annual Jerry Garcia Celebration, a free event honoring the Grateful Dead icon’s music, legacy and enduring influence.

Presented by Modern Music Movement and creator Nicholas Modern, the annual event takes place during what Deadheads call “The Days Between,” the period between Garcia’s Aug. 1 birthday and the anniversary of his death on Aug. 9.

A Chance Meeting Sparks a Band

The roots of The Rusty Strings stretch back to 2013. Guitarist and vocalist Ed Bick had been playing with mandolinist Johnny Karl Malm at a community jam when an unexpected connection helped bring the group together.

“I met Dave in early 2013,” Bick said. “He was the pharmacist at the newly opened Publix. I caught his attention when I came to the store one day wearing a Frank Zappa T-shirt.”

What followed was a conversation that revealed they were both ’80s-era Deadheads and guitar players. Bick soon brought Malm into the fold, laying the foundation for what would become The Rusty Strings.

Over the years, the lineup expanded to include bassist and vocalist Jeremy Zorn and drummer and vocalist Elliott Countess, who joined through connections within Orlando’s music community. For tonight’s performance, Jeff Sudbury will sit in on drums.

Rooted in Bluegrass, Guided by Garcia

The band’s sound reflects the diverse musical backgrounds of its members. While Bick and guitarist, banjo player and pedal steel guitarist Dave Dorwart bonded over their love of the Grateful Dead, Malm brought a deep bluegrass influence to the project. Dorwart, according to Bick, is a devoted student of Garcia’s musical journey, from his early bluegrass roots to his work with the Grateful Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In The Way and New Riders of the Purple Sage.

That blend has helped The Rusty Strings develop a style that moves comfortably between bluegrass, Americana, folk and jam-band traditions while attracting a following that includes Deadheads, bluegrass enthusiasts and fans of roots music.

Celebrating “The Days Between”

For The Rusty Strings, the annual celebration is about more than performing familiar songs. It is an opportunity to connect with a community that shares a deep appreciation for the music and culture surrounding Garcia’s legacy.

“When we did the first one two years ago, there was a great crowd and they were really receptive to our presentation, so we had a blast,” Bick said. “There was more of the same last year.”

“It’s a pleasure to be able to play this music for a community that knows and loves all of it, and to honor the guy who was truly ‘the guy’ responsible for the community itself,” he said.

For Modern, the event serves as a way to keep that spirit alive during one of the most significant periods on the Deadhead calendar.

“This is holy season for Deadheads,” Modern said. “The Days Between keeps their mentor’s ethos alive and invigorated. The takeaway is great music portrayed by great musicians committed to the authenticity of The Dead and its subculture.”

What to Expect Tonight

Attendees can expect selections spanning Garcia’s expansive catalog, including music from the Grateful Dead, the Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In The Way, New Riders of the Purple Sage and more. The band will also bring its own perspective to familiar material.

“We have an eclectic sound and will sometimes surprise Dead Heads with alternate takes or versions of familiar songs,” Bick said. “All with rich vocal harmonies. Folks can expect to have a great time.”

The Jerry Garcia Celebration featuring The Rusty Strings begins at 8 p.m. tonight at Ten10 Brewing Company, 1010 Virginia Drive in Orlando. Admission is free.