Article Contributed by Dennis McNally
Published on 2026-05-19
A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay
A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay will take place August 22 and 23, 2026, at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, California.
The two-night celebration will feature The Heart of Gold Band with Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, Zion Rock Godchaux, Brian Godchaux, David Mackay, Maria Muldaur, Mookie Siegel, Wally Ingram with Kinsman Mackay, Frank Goodman, plus special guests.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alive Hospice and Camp Winnarainbow.
Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay will always be remembered for the lustrous vocals and lovely demeanor she brought to her near-decade in the Grateful Dead. But when she and her husband Keith moved on, they founded the Heart of Gold Band. To honor her passing on November 2, 2025, and celebrate her life and her birthday on August 22, the Heart of Gold Band and a number of friends and family will assemble at the Mystic Theatre for two nights of music, joy, sweet memories, and probably a few tears.
They’ll play tunes from throughout her career, from Muscle Shoals to Egypt and beyond.
Donna Jean Thatcher was born in Florence, Alabama, and by the time she was in high school, she was singing harmonies at the two studios that created the legendary “Muscle Shoals Sound,” including Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” and Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.”
She moved to California, met and married Keith Godchaux, and then introduced herself to Jerry Garcia: “I need your phone number, because my husband is going to be your new keyboard player.” She was right. She also brought her exquisite voice to the band.
Keith Godchaux’s untimely death in 1980 brought an unfortunate end to the Heart of Gold Band, but the partnership of Steve Kimock and Greg Anton it created led to the band Zero and a great deal more memorable music.
Donna Jean was one of the sweetest and most-loved women ever. She touched countless hearts, and now friends, family, and fans will gather in love and gratitude to celebrate her spirit, the music, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay
The Heart of Gold Band
Featuring Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, Zion Rock Godchaux, Brian Godchaux, David Mackay, Maria Muldaur, Mookie Siegel, Wally Ingram with Kinsman Mackay, Frank Goodman, plus special guests
August 22 & 23, 2026
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma, CA
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alive Hospice and Camp Winnarainbow.
Info, tickets, and VIP packages:
