A Tradition of Music and Advocacy
Stella Blue’s Band has officially announced the seventh installment of its Free Dead in the Park benefit concert. This annual tradition continues to serve as a vital fundraiser for Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hudson River from its source to the sea, while safeguarding essential drinking water supplies through community-led advocacy, science, and legal action.
The upcoming two-set performance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at the iconic Naumburg Bandshell in New York’s Central Park. The music is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. local time, inviting fans and families to enjoy an afternoon of Grateful Dead classics in one of the city’s most historic outdoor venues.
Honoring a Historic Legacy
Presented by The Capitol Theatre and Friends of Free Dead in the Park, this event pays homage to the Grateful Dead’s legendary, free performance in Central Park on May 5, 1968. During the tribute, Stella Blue’s Band will draw from the Dead’s expansive and beloved songbook, capturing the improvisational spirit that defined the original San Francisco jamband scene.
The Free Dead in the Park series was inaugurated in 2018, when Stella Blue’s Band first took the stage at the Naumburg Bandshell to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dead’s historic 1968 show, which famously featured Jefferson Airplane and the Paul Butterfield Band.
Supporting the Cause
As in previous years, the event emphasizes community involvement. Attendees who choose to become Riverkeeper members at the concert will receive an exclusive commemorative t-shirt featuring a custom illustration by Kelley Wills of Brain Flower Designs. The event remains an all-ages, family-friendly gathering, welcoming music lovers of all generations.
For those interested in learning more about the band’s upcoming projects, visit their official website. To support the environmental efforts of Riverkeeper or to make a donation, please visit their official portal.