Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on November 10, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Sweetwater Music Hall
There’s a whole lotta love rising up from Mill Valley this month as Sweetwater Music Hall rings in its 53rd anniversary with a full slate of concerts, benefits, and jams that hit every corner of the musical cosmos—especially the Grateful one. Since 1972, this hallowed space has been home to Bay Area jams, cosmic collaborations, and Marin County magic. The vibe is alive and well as November and December roll through with community spirit, great causes, and a few familiar faces from the extended Dead family tree.
On Monday, November 17, the celebration reaches peak groove with Snakes & Stars, a dream team featuring Michael Travis of The String Cheese Incident and Jay Lane of Dead & Company. Expect deep improvisation, cosmic rhythm, and intergalactic smiles—the perfect soundtrack for Sweetwater’s golden year.
Then, on Monday, December 8, the venue hosts the Music Heals International Benefit, “New Orleans Meets Haiti,” featuring Jay Lane again alongside Jackie Greene, Ivan Neville, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz of ALO, Vicki Randle, Elliott Peck, Steve Adams, and more. It’s the kind of night that reminds us why Sweetwater endures—a gathering for music, community, and the power of groove to heal.
And of course, no Marin holiday season would be complete without the Terrapin Family Band Holiday Show on Friday, December 19—already sold out, as any Deadhead might’ve guessed. The Terrapin Family Band will light up the hometown stage with that familiar Terrapin spark, carrying forward the spirit of Jerry, Phil, and the whole tribe.
Sweetwater’s winter calendar rounds out with a rootsy bounty: Davy Knowles on November 12, Robbie Fulks & Matt Jaffe on November 13, Nicki Bluhm on November 22, Vienna Teng on December 4, Maria Muldaur & Her Jazz Quintet on December 7, and plenty more from folk to funk to full-on jug band joy. The anniversary week even includes a community party (November 15) and a benefit gala with Nathaniel Rateliff (November 14).
After five decades of good times and even better tunes, Sweetwater remains one of the most storied and soul-soaked venues in the Bay Area. Whether you’re catching Jay Lane and Lebo trading licks or singing along with the Terrapin crew, every show is a reminder that this place is still where the music never stops.
For tickets, membership info, and the full show calendar, visit SweetwaterMusicHall.org.
