The Grateful Guitars Foundation (GGF) will bring its mission to the skyline this summer when renowned Grateful Dead tribute ensemble Dark Star Orchestra stages a special benefit concert on Friday, August 15, 2025 at The Rooftop at Pier 17. A limited-capacity VIP Pre-Show Reception will precede the performance, giving supporters an up-close celebration of the instruments, players, and educators who keep the music thriving.

Today, the Grateful Guitars Foundation announces the Dark Star Orchestra - Grateful Guitars Foundation Benefit, an exclusive pre-show VIP reception before Dark Star Orchestra’s performance at the iconic Rooftop at Pier 17 on Friday August 15. This intimate benefit event will support GGF’s mission to commission world-class musical instruments for talented players who seek to carry on the tradition of jam band music and to fund music education programs.

Editor's Note: We interviewed Greg Ormont following Pigeons Playing Ping Pong's recent show at Pier 17, only to discover that our recording had failed due to technical difficulties. Despite our efforts to recover parts of the audio, we were unsuccessful, which was particularly disappointing as Ormont’s insights were incredibly honest and powerful. As a result, we incorporated our recollections of his words into this review of the show. He’s an incredible individual, and we hope you enjoy this mashup.

The Billy and the Kids “Dead on the Water: Pier to Pier” concert series wrapped up on Friday night with their appearance at the rooftop venue Pier 17 in New York City.  Overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, Pier 17’s location has a rich history dating back to the Dutch West India Company in 1625, the venue and surrounding area underwent major reconstruction in the 2010s and reopened to the public in 2018.

One of the greatest venues in Manhattan is the seasonal Pier 17 Rooftop. Located on the water in the Financial District, this venue boasts stunning views of Midtown behind the stage. Seeing one of your favorite bands there is truly special, and that was certainly the case for New York City's own Joe Russo's Almost Dead. This all-star quintet and Grateful Dead cover band delivered two incredible sets before Mother Nature intervened.