Dark Star Orchestra came “high-stepping” into Eugene (Ore.) last Monday night and fulfilled their bold promise to “continue the Grateful Dead concert experience” which is no easy feat. A substantial, multi-generational crowd of familiar faces gathered to glow wild and celebrate the reawakening.

Occasionally a flower rises up out of the garden of humanity that stands alone in its beauty and inspiration.  In this case, it does so in the form of the Barton Hills Choir out of Austin, Texas.  Headed by elementary school choir director, Gavin Tabone, BHC made their big splash onto the music scene through the Dead Covers Project.  Submitting refreshing renditions of “Touch of Grey” and “Ripple,” the Dead family was instantly charmed by these talented young vocalists.  “And it’s been snowballing from there,” s

Midnight North on February 10 delivered a powerful and endearing three-hour show, dubbed “Experience CSN&Y,” that included a long and powerful set of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young material. Phil Lesh and Eric Krasno guested on big chunks of the proceedings, which took place at Phil’s venerable Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California.

Last week I had the honor of seeing one of my very favorite bands in my new home of Portland Oregon. Dark Star Orchestra, one of the longest running Grateful Dead cover bands, in fact on their 20th year of touring, graced the beautiful West coast with a lovely winter tour. One of the stops was the Roseland Theater in Portland. I have so much to say about the music, it was on point as always, Dark Star almost never disappoints, but for me, the venue left a bit to be desired.

"You're in a different place.  It's very sensual . . . It satisfies that thing of going to space. You can go into the water and pet eels and octopuses and things.  I really love it; it's an amazing experience."  Jerry Garcia

As you may have noticed, Grateful Dead music has assumed a life of its own, and the joy it brings, the community it generates, is not only enduring, but also thriving.  And so Dead Heads can return to one of their favorite show sites ever, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, on April 6 through 8 this year to take part in Skull and Roses, a gathering to celebrate Dead-Head-edness and listen to the Golden Gate Wingmen (John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, Jay Lane, Reed Mathis), St

It's back! We're thrilled to announce that the 4th Annual Rex Foundation Fire on the Mountain Vertical Challenge takes place in Squaw Valley April 6, and registration is now open!  

Pimpgrass is an Americana blend of funk and soul fused with traditional bluegrass and country music, aka: Bluegrass with Bling, and "Tennessee Jed" has cornered the market.  His album is a perfect blend of opposing genres that come together for a magnificent party that you will be glad you attended.

Translators of iconic music as well as innovative original material, Chicago’s Old Shoe, brings a classic live album back to life. With their good pal and very talented singer/songwriter on board, Chicago Farmer will accompany Old Shoe with his soulful renditions of Bob Dylan tunes. Both artists will pay homage to 1989’s Dylan & the Dead, a collaborative live album which was recorded while on a successful stadium tour of the same name in 1987.

“Some things don’t change.  People die.  Others get born to take their place.  Storms cover the land with trouble.  And then, always, the sun breaks through again.”  John Barlow

Robert Hunter recalls, “Enter, John Barlow, in Pecos Bill getup, silk kerchief, and Stetson hat, as befit a Wyoming ranch boss and author of the lyrics to ‘Mexicali Blues.’  Billy goats together, only he knew Weir well enough to butt horns with him, part friends, and do it again.”