That well-known lyric from the Grateful Dead song “Truckin’” was on my mind this weekend. “She” might refer to America’s most iconic band. “She” might be a Deadhead who was born before Jerry Garcia took his first breath – or a Deadhead who never heard a lick of Dead music until after Garcia died. “She” might be San Francisco, the city that reluctantly birthed the psychedelic movement and its most famous rock band in the tumultuous 60s. Or “she” could be that same city in its current incarnation, the city that welcomed Dead & Company with open arms for a 60th birthday celebration this past weekend.

A cavalcade of accomplished, like-minded musicians with connections to Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and/or Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads nightclub appeared in San Francisco on July 31 for The Heart of Town, a four-hour, all-killer-no-filler tribute to Garcia, “GD60,” and the spirit of San Francisco.

Part of the Terrapin Roadshow series, a fine ensemble of talented musicians with shared music pedigrees gathered on July 19 at a 500‑capacity amphitheater in San Rafael, California, for a two‑set, kaleidoscopic performance of (mostly) Grateful Dead music. This was the second of three weekend shows at the venue, typically utilized by the Marin Shakespeare Company, within the Dominican University of California campus, each of which had a different ensemble cast.

The clear blue sky smiles down on the little town of Niles, Michigan, and the locals have a new hot spot. During COVID, the town created an open‑air area where people could meet and enjoy a cold drink while social distancing. After the pandemic, residents wisely asked for its return—and the town obliged. Now back as a permanent downtown fixture, “The Node” features dedicated tables, fire pits, and a new stage for music. Knowing live music was brewing at the Node tonight, I dropped by to check it out.

I’m old enough now that being told on Tuesday that I am going to cover the Northlands Music & Arts Festival on Friday feels rushed. Gone are the carefree days of the early ’00s. Back then, I went on tour with one day’s notice—without a tent.

The San Francisco Giants and Relix are teaming up to present The Heart of Town, a special three-night concert series celebrating the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary and the enduring spirit of San Francisco. Hosted by Grahame Lesh & Friends, the shows will take place July 31–August 2 at Pier 48 in Mission Rock, located just steps from Oracle Park.

This Saturday, the Hudson River Music Festival took over Croton Point Park for a full day of live music, family activities, celebration and outdoor fun. Presented by Riverfest FPS (For Pete’s Sake), Dayglo Presents, and Harper House Music Foundation and rooted in the spirit of Toshi and Pete Seeger’s folk picnics, the new festival brought together music lovers, environmental advocates, and families for a vibrant celebration.

Today, the Hudson River Music Festival has announced that Grammy Award winning folk musician and activist Tom Chapin and The Chapin Sisters will join the festival lineup set for Saturday, June 14 from 11:00am-9:00pm in Croton Point Park. 

Osiris Media launches The Jam Season 3, hosted by Grammy Award-winning music industry leader Jonathan Shank. Known for deep-dive conversations into the heart of jam music and beyond, the podcast’s new season premieres with acclaimed California rock band Dawes and Grammy winner Eric Krasno reflecting on their deep and diverse music influences as well rebuilding their homes, lives, community, and creative spirit after the devastating LA wildfires.

Today, Riverfest FPS (For Pete’s Sake), Dayglo Presents, and Harper House Music Foundation announce the Hudson River Music Festival set for Saturday, June 14 from 11:00am-9:00pm in Croton Point Park. Rooted in the spirit of Toshi and Pete Seeger’s folk picnics, the new festival is set to bring together music lovers, environmental advocates, and families for a vibrant celebration. This all-ages festival will unite people in a gathering fueled by a shared love for the river, music, and activism.