Perhaps the most pointed message in the epic, unexpectedly heart-wrenching Long Strange Trip documentary — a must-watch, even at its 4-hour length — is that Jerry didn’t have to die. In many ways, though, the silver lining is that he’s more alive than most people ever were; it is easy to imagine an alternate reality in which Jerry Garcia is still alive. The Dead, their influence and their still-extant physical tentacles, are in the air all around us still. And on Friday, on what would have been Jerry’s 75th, local fans will celebrate the man the best know how —  with a birthday party in the parking lot of a bowling alley. There will also be, of course, a Dead cover band, projections of old Dead shows on the wall, drink specials and vendors. If we’re being real, everyone who turns 75 should get a party like this.

More info/Facebook invite here.