A cloudless winter sky arches over Los Angeles this Jan. 31, setting a bright stage for a night of musical brilliance and heartfelt celebration. At the Los Angeles Convention Center, the 34th annual MusiCares Persons of the Year gala is about to get underway — and this year, all eyes are on the Grateful Dead, the 2025 honorees who spent six decades forging an undeniable legacy of boundary-pushing music and generous community outreach.
At its core, the Persons of the Year gala isn’t just an evening of star-studded performances, comedic banter, and exquisite dining — though guests can certainly look forward to all three. The heart of this gathering is MusiCares’ unyielding mission to support music professionals in times of dire need. From mental health resources to addiction recovery programs, from emergency relief initiatives to medical cost assistance, the organization has consistently proven itself a lifeline for musicians and industry workers facing unexpected hardships.
This year, the focus rests especially on those affected by the Greater Los Angeles wildfires. Proceeds from the gala will help bolster MusiCares’ ongoing work in providing much-needed relief to these survivors in the local music community. By coming together tonight — whether by attending, performing, or donating from afar — music lovers and Grateful Dead fans will be offering tangible support to a cause that ensures the art we love continues to thrive.
The Grateful Dead have long been celebrated for their free-spirited ethos, open-hearted jams, and deep commitment to fostering community. Yet their influence goes far beyond the stage. Through countless benefit concerts, philanthropic foundations, and a steadfast dedication to environmental and social causes, the Dead have consistently demonstrated that the spirit of giving is every bit as important as the notes they play.
Tonight’s festivities include moving nods to both Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh — cherished founding members whose vision helped shape the Dead’s legendary sound. Though Garcia passed away in 1995 and Lesh more recently in October 2024, their enduring impact is felt among fellow bandmates, friends, and fans worldwide.
No tribute to the Grateful Dead would be complete without some serious musical firepower. Zac Brown, Vampire Weekend, Noah Kahan, Mick Fleetwood, Sammy Hagar, Maren Morris, John Mayer, Dead & Company, and others will all step onstage to reinterpret classic Grateful Dead songs in their own inimitable styles. The setlist is rumored to be packed with fan favorites, spontaneous improvisations, and maybe even a few deep cuts sure to delight the most dedicated Dead Heads.
Fans can expect tributes that honor not only the band’s greatest hits, but also the adventurous spirit that made their concerts feel like communal gatherings. And in true Grateful Dead fashion, it wouldn’t be surprising if there’s a surprise guest or two waiting in the wings.
Bringing wit and warmth to the evening is host Andy Cohen, a confessed “Dead Head” whose boundless energy and enthusiasm will keep the celebration rolling. From playful stories about following the band on tour to heartfelt reflections on their philanthropic reach, Cohen’s comedic timing and personal connection to the group promise a lively blend of laughter and sincerity.
The Grateful Dead’s philanthropic legacy is woven into the fabric of tonight’s ceremony, highlighting just a few of the ways the band members have chosen to uplift the world around them. Their charitable efforts over the decades have supported everything from children’s health initiatives to environmental conservation. Foundations such as The Rex Foundation, The Further Foundation, The Unbroken Chain Foundation, and The Jerry Garcia Foundation echo the band’s belief in grassroots activism, empathy, and generosity.
The Dead’s drummers, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, have been especially vocal about causes close to their hearts — including ocean conservation and the use of music in healing and rehabilitation. Their dedication reminds us that the impact of the Grateful Dead stretches far beyond the tour bus or concert hall.
As the curtain rises on the 2025 Persons of the Year gala, guests will gather to dine, drink, dance, and donate in honor of a band that championed both artistry and charity. Tonight’s festivities stand as a testament that music’s greatest power often lies in its ability to unite us across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs.
Whether you’re about to take your seat in the convention center, watching from home, or joining via social media, you can be part of this meaningful moment by supporting MusiCares’ mission. Every contribution — be it a donation to the Greater Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort or a simple retweet to raise awareness — plays a vital role in helping our music community weather life’s storms and keep on jamming.
Tonight, the spotlight shines brightly on the Grateful Dead, but its warm glow also illuminates all those who have given their time, energy, and heart to ensure that the music never stops — and that the greater good flourishes right alongside it.
