Despite their emergence in the mid-sixties at the height of the counterculture era, the Grateful Dead were never considered an overtly political act. While no friend to the corporate establishment or a cog in the government machine, the band left the protest songs to musicians such as Bob Dylan. That’s not to say that their lyrics don’t touch on the thematic landscape of America’s political woes, but like poetry (and beauty), interpretation is in the eye of the beholder.

Escape the ordinary & celebrate 7 years of Colorado’s most beloved music festival, ARISE, at the beautiful Sunrise Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. This premiere music, yoga, art, and camping festival with a leave-no trace ethos is committed to producing an annual gathering that is a joyous pathway for building and strengthening community.

Following on from their heavily praised 2016 sophomore album ‘Illusion & Doubt’, and their breakthrough hit ‘In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company’, which has so far smashed through the 100million views barrier on Youtube, Canadian bluegrass heroes The Dead South now return to showcase their highly anticipated third album ‘Sugar & Joy’ with their latest single ‘Diamond Ring’.

“Tennessee Jed” was a raucous riot, as it indubitably should be. The instrumental breaks showcased JRAD’s proclivity for shaking fresh ideas out of well-worn material. Benevento dropped a stanky, Dr. John crossed with Dave Brubeck piano piece. Metzger and Dreiwitz slipped into a parallel, Bizarro “Jed.” The entire unit tilted and started to spin ecstatically. It was like putting a Ferris wheel on top of a roller coaster. JRAD increasingly infused the Dead’s material with their own creative energy. They weren’t out to simply play these cherished songs; they sought to possess them and make them their own.