Rich Hardesty, along with his friends from the band HyRyder, is planning a unique music festival in Negril, Jamaica, called “Jamaican Daydream.” Scheduled for January 25-29, this event will bring together fans for four days and five nights of music, culture, and fun. Hardesty, who recently released his album Jamericans in Jamaica, explained how the idea came about. “I was in Jamaica earlier this year and thought, I’d love to bring other bands here like we did in the ‘90s with the Sun Splash tours,” he said. “I learned that Eric Thompson and his band, High Rider, love Jamaica too, so we made it happen.”

The festival aims to be more than just a concert; it’s about immersing fans in the culture of Jamaica. “It’s not just about playing music; it’s about being part of Jamaica and its vibrant community,” said Richard. HyRyder, known for their Grateful Dead tribute performances, is excited to join. “We love the exploration and improvisation that comes with playing Grateful Dead music,” said Eric Thompson. “We’ve been listening closely to their intricacies, and it’s an honor to bring that to Jamaica.”

HyRyder will be performing six sets over the week alongside The Rich Hardesty Band, with plenty of opportunities for collaborations and jam sessions. “It’s going to be a mix of separate sets and playing together, so fans get the best of both worlds,” Thompson shared. The event will feature sunset shows and all-night jams, creating an immersive experience for attendees. “We’re going to be exhausted by the time we fly home, but it will be worth it,” Hardesty added.

Fans can find more information and purchase tickets at JamaicanDaydream.com. “We want everyone to come on this Jamaican Daydream with us,” said Hardesty. “It’s going to be an unforgettable experience.”

For those who can’t wait until January, HyRyder and Rich Hardesty treated fans to a live performance previewing what they can expect. The band played a rendition of a Merle Haggard tune, which was popularized by The Grateful Dead, giving a taste of the laid-back, soulful vibe they’ll bring to Jamaica. “Imagine listening to this music on a beach in Negril with a cocktail in hand,” said one of the event organizers. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”