Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-07-29
Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, members of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay’s family, and a gathering of longtime friends will rekindle the Heart of Gold Band for two special nights celebrating Donna Jean’s life and music. The concerts will take place Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma, California.
The celebration falls on what would have been Donna Jean’s 79th birthday, August 22, and will bring together musicians connected to the many chapters of her remarkable career. The performers will revisit music spanning her early days as a session singer in Muscle Shoals, her years with the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band, and the music she created with the Heart of Gold Band.
The Heart of Gold Band lineup features Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, Zion Rock Godchaux, Brian Godchaux, David Mackay, Maria Muldaur, Mookie Siegel, Wally Ingram, Kinsman Mackay, and Frank Goodman, along with additional special guests.
Donna Jean and Keith Godchaux formed the Heart of Gold Band following their departure from the Grateful Dead. Although Keith’s death in 1980 brought the original chapter of the group to an early close, the musical relationship established between Kimock and Anton continued through Zero and numerous other projects.
These Petaluma performances promise two evenings of music, memories, family, and love for a singer whose voice remains woven throughout the Grateful Dead’s history and some of the most enduring recordings to emerge from Muscle Shoals.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alive Hospice and Camp Winnarainbow. Tickets and VIP packages are available HERE.
A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay
The Heart of Gold Band
Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, 2026
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma, California
Ages 21+
