KEEN, Inc. (KEEN), today announces a partnership with the Jerry Garcia Family, a new limited edition collection combining Jerry Garcia’s artwork with KEEN’s iconic Newport sandal and UNEEK sneaker sandal with a portion of sales going to HeadCount, a non-profit that uses the power of music to register voters and participate in democracy. In an environment increasingly dominated by hate, KEEN and the Jerry Garcia Family want to encourage fans to participate in positive change and vote for love in their everyday choices and with their ballots.
“Jerry Garcia’s music helped define a generation’s values of togetherness and community. KEEN was founded with similar values of bringing people together and doing the right thing” said Erik Burbank, KEEN Chief Brand Officer. “It’s hard to imagine a better fitting or more exciting partnership. We’re on a mission to encourage people to take action and foster more love in the world. We see this as an alliance of two originals coming together with shared values to make a difference. We want fans to Vote Love in their everyday actions”
The collection features two pieces of Jerry Garcia’s art- New York at Night and Banyan Tree. Initial release includes the iconic KEEN Newport sandal, the original hybrid sandal with protective toe. Over 10m sold, loved by outdoor enthusiasts, computer programmers, musicians and other humans. The initial drop also includes KEEN’s UNEEK sneaker sandal, a radical hybrid of sneaker and sandal.
“At times like these it’s important to speak up for what you believe in!” said Trixie Garcia. “We, the Jerry Garcia Family, have banded together with KEEN Footwear because we, like you, value being socially responsible and eco-conscious! One way to help make a better world is to vote!! We are thrilled to kick things off with KEEN, by supporting HeadCount through the Vote Love campaign. Vote Love!!”
“HeadCount was started back in 2004 with the goal of getting every Deadhead and music fan registered to vote. So the spirit of Jerry Garcia is literally in our souls. Now, he will be under our soles too. We are very grateful to KEEN and the Jerry Garcia Family for supporting our work.” said Andy Bernstein, HeadCount Executive Director.
About KEEN
Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that’s on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire adventures outside. Founded in 2003, it launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has continued to launch disruptive products and establish new standards for performance, comfort, and design. As a family-owned company, KEEN has made doing good part of doing business since day one. By working with non-profit partners, consciously constructing its products, providing grant funding to grassroots organizations, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion to leave the world a better place. KEEN’s recent Together We Can Help program partnered with KEEN fans to give away 100,000 pairs, about $10,000,000 of shoes, to those on the front line fighting the COVID-19 virus. Learn more at https://www.keenfootwear.com/keeneffect.
About Jerry Garcia
Jerry Garcia (1942-1995) created an unparalleled legacy across the American landscape, most notably in his role as a founding member, singer, songwriter and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Garcia’s unmistakable guitar tone enchanted multitudes of “Deadheads” throughout the band’s 30-year career and beyond. His work with the Jerry Garcia Band, Old and in the Way, Legion of Mary, Garcia/Grisman and projects with Merl Saunders only scratch at the surface of his musical influences as he set out to master the Great American Songbook. Unequivocally devoted to the craft of music, Garcia continues to inspire future generations through the body of work he has left behind and his creative spirit.
