FEATURE

The Grateful Dead Debuted on this Date in 1965: How The Warlocks Passed the Acid Tests

On May 5, 1965 the Warlocks made their public debut at Magoo’s Pizza Parlor in Menlo Park, CA. Seven months later they would change their name to the Grateful Dead. In honor of the anniversary we revisit this conversation with Ken Babbs about some of the band’s early gigs at the Acid Tests, a series of freeform, multimedia events staged by Babbs, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters.

RECAP

My Morning Jacket Debut New Orleans Tributes and Galactic Welcome Irma Thomas on Final Sunday of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

On Sunday, May 4, the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival came to a close with one final day of music at the Fair Grounds Race Course.

Shakedown Treats For Your Furry Friend

These Grateful Dead dog toys are built to last through barking encores and muddy festival fields.

WATCH

Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks Trade Sit-ins with Bonnie Raitt During Sun, Sand & Soul Weekend

On Thursday, May 1, Tedeschi Trucks Band participated in their initial festival commitment during Sun, Sand, and Soul weekend at the Seascape Golf Course in Miramar Beach, Fla.

Grateful Dead Fabulous - Officially Licensed Fashion

Whether you wear it on your next trip to the lot or for running around town, Meghan Fabulous’s collection is sure to sparkle and earn your endless compliments everywhere you go! 

RECAP

Mike Gordon Welcomes Jon Cleary and Karina Rykman for Covers of Little Feat, J.J. Cale and More at New Orleans Solo Show

On Friday, Mike Gordon took the Crescent City by storm with his long-awaited one-night-only performance at the Joy Theater. Gordon’s special show, which landed in the second weekend of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, was his only solo headline date of the year announced so far, and the iconic Phish bassist matched the caliber of the occasion with a new backing band, two sit-ins and a fistful of live debuts.

ALSO READ: Karina Rykman: Try to Stop Her

WATCH

Dave Matthews Debuts New Song “Kill the Monster” in Houston

On Friday, May 2, Dave Matthews offered a solo performance at Houston’s White Oak Music Hall as part of the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Holder series.

NEWS

SFJazz Gala Outlines 2025 Event, Don Was Lifetime Achievement Award, Tribute to Zakir Hussain and More

On Thursday, June 12, the SFJAZZ Gala will honor producer, musician, and President of Blue Note Records Don Was with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event will also feature a tribute to the late tabla master, Zakir Hussain, longtime collaborator of the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and musical partner in Planet Drum.