Article Contributed by Mike
Published on December 20, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Z2 Entertainment
After a weather-related postponement due to high winds, Pickin’ On The Dead will officially return to Boulder’s Fox Theatre on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Originally scheduled for December 19, the rescheduled performance ensures a safe and celebratory gathering for fans eager to experience the Grateful Dead songbook through a distinctly Rocky Mountain, bluegrass-informed lens.
Presented by 88.5 KGNU & Rooster as part of the ongoing Road to Wondergrass series, the evening will once again feature Pickin’ On The Dead with support from Tonewood String Band. All tickets purchased for the original date will be honored for the new performance. Refunds are available at the point of purchase through 5:00 pm on Monday, December 29 for those unable to attend the rescheduled show.
Pickin’ On The Dead has become a beloved fixture within Colorado’s jamgrass community, evolving organically through repeated appearances at WinterWonderGrass and deepening its reputation during a series of adventurous RiverWonderGrass Expeditions through Dinosaur National Monument’s Gates of Lodore. What began as a joyful tribute has grown into a fully realized ensemble that reimagines Grateful Dead classics with precision, reverence, and fearless improvisation.
At the core of the group is National Flatpicking Champion Tyler Grant, whose agile guitar work anchors the band’s explorations. He’s joined by longtime collaborator Ace Engfer on bass and Sean “Magic” Macaulay on drums, forming a rhythm section equally capable of subtle propulsion and full-throttle momentum. Michael Kirkpatrick brings both mandolin fireworks and playful energy, while keyboardist Bill McKay adds harmonic depth that bridges traditional string band textures with the expansive spirit of the Dead’s catalog.
Shared lead and harmony vocals round out the experience, allowing the band to move fluidly between intimate storytelling and extended instrumental passages. The result is a performance that honors the Grateful Dead’s improvisational legacy while carving out a sound firmly rooted in Colorado’s high-altitude acoustic tradition.
EVENT DETAILS
Pickin’ On The Dead
with Tonewood String Band
Fox Theatre
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Doors: 7:00 pm | Show: 8:00 pm
Tickets: Available here
General Admission
All Ages (under 16 with an adult)
With the rescheduled date set and winter settling in, Pickin’ On The Dead promises a warm, communal night of song, improvisation, and shared musical language—proof once again that the Grateful Dead’s spirit continues to find new life in unexpected and inspired forms.
