(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a series of stories previewing acts that will perform at this year's Decatur Celebration.)

It's because of the music of the American rock band The Grateful Dead that the Springfield-based Perfunctory came together 21 years ago. And the members believe it's because of Grateful Dead's music that they've lasted 21 years as a band, gaining new fans each year.

"The Dead has never really died out," said lead guitar player Carl Akers. "We're basically on our third generation of fans."

"The young people who are starting to listen to The Grateful Dead are giving it a resurgence," said guitarist Al Hibbert. "I think it's coming back."

The Grateful Dead tribute band will perform Aug. 3 on the Show Stage of Decatur Celebration.

Perfunctory was developed in 1987 by a group of "Deadheads" who shared an interest in the band's music and style.

"It's not something we had to work at," Akers said of learning their music. "It's something we already had."

Today, Perfunctory includes band members Akers, Hibbert, Brad Beneky (bass guitar), Will Sternitzke (vocals), R.J. Finneran (vocals), Roger Fliege (keyboards) and Scott Fitzmire (drums and percussion). Akers, Beneky and Sternitzke are three original members of the band.

Beginning in 1965, The Grateful Dead produced such hits as "Casey Jones," "Touch of Grey," "Truckin' " and "Scarlet Begonias." They ended their 30-year career in 1995 following the death of lead guitarist and vocalist Jerry Garcia.

"In my opinion, Grateful Dead is still popular because of their range of songs," Hibbert said. "To me, with Grateful Dead's music, I enjoy the experimental style they had.

"People who know Grateful Dead's music, they understand."

"Their music and their songs lend itself to improvisation and jamming," Akers added. "Their songs (are what) we love to play and people love to hear.

"The spirit of The Dead lives on."

Perfunctory released an album about 15 years ago titled "Something Worth Keeping." Now having more than 60 original songs, the band has enough that it is thinking of putting out another album, Hibbert said.

Akers added, "We've recorded pretty much every show we've ever played, so we're looking into doing a live album."

For the band's first time at Decatur Celebration, Akers said the audience can expect tunes other than from The Grateful Dead.

"There's a little bit of Zeppelin in us. There's a little bit of Jimi Hendrix in us," he said. "It'll be a great opportunity to dance. We'll remind (the audience) of the songs they used to listen to."

WHAT: Perfunctory.

WHEN: 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3.

WHERE: Show Stage, Decatur Celebration.

ON THE WEB: www.myspace.com/perfunct.

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@herald-review.com or 421-6986.