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One More Saturday Night with Dead & Company in Atlanta July 1, 2019 14:03
Over the past fifty years, the city of Atlanta has played host to countless moments in Grateful Dead history. When looking back over the band’s illustrious career, it’s no surprise that tickets were in such high demand on Saturday night. The blazing summer heat was met with an equally hot ticket, as Dead & Company made their annual visit to Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood over the weekend. It’s always extra special returning to this venue for any Dead related project, as I experienced my first “Dead show” here on the Wave The Flag tour in 2004. While the roster has evolved and some songs might have a slightly different sound, the fact that we’re still able to gather and celebrate this music with nearly 20,000 people is truly remarkable.
When this band came together in the fall of 2015, many of us didn’t know what to think. The “Fare Thee Well” shows were a very recent memory, and I’m not sure that anyone ever expected to see John Mayer playing lead guitar alongside Bobby, Billy, and Mickey. What the Deadhead nation has witnessed since then has been nothing short of magical. The six-piece now has nearly five years under their belt, and Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti have proven to be the perfect combination for this interpretation of the Grateful Dead.
The band came out of the gate with guns blazing on Saturday night. “Scarlet Begonias” and “The Music Never Stopped” made for a beautiful pairing. “Alabama Getaway” proved to be one of the more rockin’ moments of the night. Weir has always done a phenomenal job with the Johnny Cash catalog, and “Big River” was certainly on point. It’s always a treat to hear “West LA Fadeaway,” even if D&C’s rendition is slowed down just a bit. Weir appeared the play the first few notes of “He’s Gone” before quickly aborting, switching guitars, and allowing Mayer to lead the way through a killer “Tennesee Jed.” The first set would end just as strong as it started, as “Bird Song” worked its way in and out of “Loose Lucy” before coming back in full force.
The sun was finally starting to set, and the band returned to the stage after a lengthy set break. An extended jam eventually led us to “The Other One,” which would then segue into a surprising stand alone “Franklin’s Tower.” Mayer led the band through “Crazy Fingers” in impressive fashion. Any time I’m fortunate enough to hear the “Lady with a Fan” > “Terrapin Station” combo is a very special occasion. This particular performance was perfect in every way. They eventually made their way back to “The Other One” before unleashing Hart & Kreutzmann for “Drums” > “Space.” The rest of the band returned to stage and eventually hit the opening notes of “Althea,” the song which led Mayer to discover the Dead’s music. Weir then performed one of the more coveted Garcia ballads in “Standing on the Moon,” before “One More Saturday Night” ended the set in proper fashion.
After the “Scarlet Begonias” opener, many wondered if and when we would hear “Fire on the Mountain.” Fortunately, the band returned for the encore and Burbridge finally had his chance to shine on lead vocals. Walking out of the venue, I felt that familiar since of gratitude that can only be achieved by these unique musical journeys. While I was lucky enough to stumble across the Grateful Dead’s music at a young age, it was just after the passing of Jerry Garcia. The reality that I’m able to be a part of this experience so many years later is something I'll never take for granted. These are moments that I’ll cherish for as long as I live, and hopefully, there will be many more Grateful nights to come.
Stream Dead & Company's Tour Opener For Free Tonight May 30, 2018 17:20
Dead & Company Tour Dates
May 30 - Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
June 1 - Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
June 2 - Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
June 4 - Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
June 6 - Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
June 8 - Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
June 9 - Raleigh, NC – Coast Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
June 11 - Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
June 13 - Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
June 15 - New York, NY – Citi Field
June 16 - New York, NY – Citi Field
June 19 - Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
June 20 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
June 22 - East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
June 23 - East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
June 29 - Quincy, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre
June 30 - Eugene, OR – Autzen Stadium
July 2 - Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 3 - Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 6 - Chula Vista, CA – Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
July 7 - Los Angeles, CA – Dodger Stadium
July 11 - Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
July 13 - Boulder, CO – Folsom Field
July 14 - Boulder, CO – Folsom Field
August 25 - Arrington, VA – LOCKN’ Festival
August 26 - Arrington, VA – LOCKN’ Festival
Dead & Company Announces 2017 Fall Tour Dates September 7, 2017 11:45
Dead & Company Reveal Plans For 'Playing In The Sand' In Mexico July 25, 2017 14:08
Clear your calendar, Dead & Company is heading to Mexico! February 15-18, 2018 the Dead-themed supergroup will be Playing In The Sand. This event will be an all-inclusive Caribbean concert vacation in beautiful Riviera Maya. Want in early? Sign up for access to a special presale before packages are available to the public: playinginthesand.co/dc. Presale will begin August 1st, and packages will be available to the public on August 3rd. Stay tuned for further details on what is sure to be one of the most exciting events of the new year.
Celebrating 30 Years Of The Grateful Dead's 'In The Dark' July 6, 2017 10:07
Celebrating 48 Years Of The Grateful Dead's 'Aoxomoxoa' June 20, 2017 10:24
The Grateful Dead began their career as the Warlocks, a group formed in early 1965 from the remnants of a Palo Alto, California jug band called Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. The band's first show was at Magoo's Pizza located at 639 Santa Cruz Avenue in suburban Menlo Park, California, on May 5, 1965. Coincidentally, Velvet Underground was also performing under that name on the East Coast. After literally opening a dictionary and falling on 'Grateful Dead', the band would perform under its permanent name for the first time in San Jose, CA on December 4th, 1965 at one of Ken Kesey's 'Acid Tests'.
After signing with Warner Brothers Records, the band hit the studio hard over the next few years; releasing their debut self-titled album in 1967 and Anthem Of The in 1968. Just two months before the inaugural Woodstock in 1969, the Dead released its third studio album Aoxomoxoa. One of the first rock albums to be recorded using 16-track technology, fans and critics alike consider this era to be the band's experimental apex. This was the second studio album to feature second drummer Mickey Hart, who joined the band in 1967. The title is a meaningless palindrome created by cover artist Rick Griffin and lyricist Robert Hunter and is usually pronounced "ox-oh-mox-oh-ah."
When looking at Grateful Dead history, quite a few are connected with Aoxomoxoa. It is the first album the band recorded entirely in or near their original hometown of San Francisco. It is the only studio release to include pianist Tom Constanten as an official member. It was also the first to have lyricist Robert Hunter as a full-time contributor to the band, which cemented the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter songwriting partnership that endured for the rest of the band's existence. It was also the first time the band would emphasize acoustic songs (such as "Mountains of the Moon" and "Dupree's Diamond Blues"), which would become the focus of the next two studio albums.
Some of the songs on Aoxomoxoa were played live briefly and then dropped. Only "China Cat Sunflower" became a set staple through the band's career, though "St. Stephen" was played until 1971, revived in 1976 and 1977 and played a handful of times after that. Likewise, "Cosmic Charlie" was played a few times again in 1976.
Track Listing:
1. St Stephen
2. Dupree's Diamond Blues
3. Rosemary
4. Doin' That Rag
5. Mountains on the Moon
6. China Cat Sunflower
7. What's Become of the Baby
8. Cosmic Charlie
Listen to Aoxomoxoa in its entirety here:
Watch The Trailer For Grateful Dead Documentary 'Long Strange Trip' May 16, 2017 14:48
As we inch closer towards the official release of the long awaited Grateful Dead documentary, Long Strange Trip, anticipating and excitement amongst the Deadhead community continues to grow. We now have our first taste of the 241-minute film, as JamBase premiered its official trailer via Yahoo! Movies earlier today. The film, which will begin showings in select theaters on May 25th, is directed by Amir Bar-Lev and produced by Martin Scorsese. The film includes many never-before-seen interviews, footage and photos combined with a career-spanning soundtrack focusing of the Grateful Dead’s live performances. Long Strange Trip will be available for worldwide streaming on June 2nd via Amazon Prime.
Watch the official trailer for 'Long Strange Trip' here:
Dead & Company's First 2017 Tour Date Has Surfaced December 1, 2016 09:13
The String Cheese Incident & Members Of Grateful Dead Announce 'Los Muertos Con Queso' September 26, 2016 14:50
The String Cheese Incident and members of the Grateful Dead have revealed plans for a brand new destination weekend dubbed "Los Muertos Con Queso." This event will feature three nights of SCI, along with three nights of Los Muertos, a newly formed supergroup featuring Bill Kreutzmann & Bob Weir with Dave Schools, Jeff Chimenti & Tom Hamilton. Official details on the destination event can be found below via LosMuertosConQueso.com. Stay tuned for future updates on this exciting event!
Los Muertos con Queso is an all-inclusive concert vacation in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. You’ll be whisked from the airport in special Los Muertos con Quesoshuttles and taken to your tropical resort, where your all-inclusive vacation will begin. You’ll experience four unforgettable nights of music on the beach: Bill Kreutzmann & Bob Weir with Dave Schools, Jeff Chimenti and Tom Hamilton (3 nights), The String Cheese Incident (3 nights), The Chris Robinson Brotherhood (1 night), an intimate, acoustic performance by Chris Robinson and Neal Casal, and much more. The Caribbean Sea provides a gorgeous backdrop for these beachfront concerts, with the state-of-the art stage just feet away from the clear blue waters.
The Barceló Maya Beach, an incredible all-inclusive resort, will play host to the concerts. The resort sits on a mile-long stretch of white sandy beach and stunning landscapes, with eight glittering pools across the property. You may reserve a room at the Barceló, or choose to stay at another one of our other carefully selected hotels. With the exception of the Rosewood, which is not considered all-inclusive, each resort features a variety of restaurants, multiple bars and daily activities, all included in your package price. Spend your days lounging by the pool and beach, or explore the nearby towns of Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Partake in exciting off-site adventures, or sleep off the night before and soak up some sun.
Each night, guests staying at the Barceló Maya will walk out of their rooms and take a short stroll to the beach to see the show. If you are staying at one of our other properties, a shuttle will deliver you within feet of the main stage.
For futher details on this event, head over to LosMuertosConQueso.com.
Watch Bill Walton Sit-In On "Drums" At Dead & Company's Tour Closer July 31, 2016 14:04
Saturday night's performance at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA would serve as the tour closer for Dead & Company's 24-show summer tour. This summer has been a critical time for the latest Dead-themed super group, as they were able to build off of the foundation established during the fall of 2016 and expand to the next level. With much early speculation as to whether guitarist John Mayer would be the proper fit, Dead & Company has undoubtedly won over Deadheads far and wide as this tour proved early and often.
Late in the Saturday's second set, it was time for one last psychedelic "Drums> "Space," and the band had a nice surprise up their sleeve. Drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, better known as "The Rhythm Devils," welcomed bassist Oteil Burbridge back to the stage, as well as NBA legend and famed Deadhead Bill Walton. Check out video footage from "Drums" below, as well as a complete setlist from Saturday night's tour closer.
Watch a segment from "Drums" with Bill Walton, Oteil Burbridge, Mickey Hart, & Bill Kreutzmann here:
