Stella Blue’s Band is excited to announce the sixth annual Free Dead in the Park concert to benefit Riverkeeper, presented by The Capitol Theatre and RYTHM Premium Cannabis. Following in the footsteps of the Grateful Dead more than 50 years ago, Stella will take to the same stage at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park in New York City at 4:30pm on Tuesday, May 13, for two sets of music to raise awareness and funds to help clean up and protect the Hudson River and its ecosystem.
“We’re thrilled to continue this annual tradition of supporting Free Dead in the Park and Riverkeeper and bringing together the power of good music and collective action for the environment in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Shapiro, owner of The Capitol Theatre.
Free Dead in the Park began in 2018 when Stella Blue’s Band first played in the bandshell to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s epic free concert there with Jefferson Airplane and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. In the years following, the show has grown to become a major event for Riverkeeper and its mission to protect, clean up, and advocate for the Hudson River and surrounding ecosystems.
“RYTHM is thrilled to continue our support for Riverkeeper to bring back another Free Dead in the Park. Uplifting communities through music is in RYTHM's DNA. We are proud to protect the Hudson River while honoring one of the greatest bands of all time,” said Ben Kovler, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Green Thumb Industries, a leading national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and producer of RYTHM Premium Cannabis.
Stella Blue’s Band will have the honor to play Jerry Garcia’s famous Alligator Fender Stratocaster and Bob Weir’s Modulus Blackknife guitars on stage at this show. The band thanks Grateful Guitars for the opportunity to showcase these pieces of music history.
"Free Dead in the Park is a powerful reminder that music and community can come together to protect the vital resources we all rely on. Just as the Grateful Dead's legacy brought people together to celebrate life, we come together to ensure the future of the Hudson River and the countless people who depend on it,” said Tracy Brown, Riverkeeper President. “I'm so grateful to the artists, sponsors, and attendees for helping us continue this important work."
An exclusive commemorative T-shirt featuring a photo of Jerry Garcia taken by photographer Jay Blakesberg (www.blakesberg.com) will be given to everyone who becomes a Riverkeeper member at the event. The band is grateful to Jerry Garcia’s management team for permission to use this historic photo.
“We couldn’t do this without an army of good-hearted people who support the music and the environment,” said Steve Liesman, the band’s rhythm guitar player, a member of Riverkeeper’s board, and the senior economics reporter for CNBC. “From the folks at NYC Parks to our sponsors and fans, the band is deeply grateful for all who join us in believing this wonderful music is a conduit for vital change.”
The show is supported by a group of committed private and corporate contributors, including the Morgan Le Fay Dreams Foundation, Warner Bros. Discovery, the Lanza Family Foundation, The Zankel Music Fund, Grateful Guitars, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Friends of Free Dead in the Park, including Scott Schaevitz, Adam Heimann, and others who wish not to be named.
The event would not be possible without the dedication, commitment, and support of staff at the NYC Parks Department, which has helped to make the concert a success every year.
The event’s promotional and shirt graphics were contributed by the incredible Brian Woodruff of B. Woodruff Artworks (www.brianwoodruff.net).
The show will be produced by G4D Productions (www.g4dproductions.com) with support from Best Instrument Rentals.
Riverkeeper (www.riverkeeper.org) protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. Its core programs improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on area waterways.
Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre (https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com) underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt and Snoop Dogg.
Green Thumb Industries Inc. (www.gtigrows.com), which produces RYTHM Premium Cannabis, is a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer that promotes well-being through the power of cannabis while giving back to the communities in which it serves.
Stella Blue's Band (www.stellabluesband.net), founded in 2009, recreates the experience of being at a Grateful Dead show. The band has been lighting up the tri-state area for more than a decade with its six-piece line-up, including two drummers, strong, soulful vocals, and high-energy performances.
For more information, including links to articles about the Grateful Dead’s 1968 concert, please check out www.freedeadinthepark.com. To support Riverkeeper, please visit www.riverkeeper.org/freedead.
