The Boston Pops is the more informal cousin of the Boston Orchestra, playing lighter music and often reinterpreting popular rock and pop songs. This performance sees the orchestra, with the help of vocalist and guitarist Warren Haynes, take on the work of Jerry Garcia.

Garcia was a vocalist and lead guitarist for The Grateful Dead, a rock band popular in the 70s, 80s and much of the 90s. He stayed with the band for its whole 30-plus year lifespan until his passing away in 1995. Garcia is still celebrated as one of America's top rock guitarists.