A special night of conversation and music, exploring the Grateful Dead through their seminal live performances. Writers Ray Robertson, author of All the Years Combine: The Grateful Dead in Fifty Shows, and Nick Paumgarten, a staff writer for The New Yorker, will discuss the bands most notable concerts including Harpur College, 5/2/1970. The Harpur College concert is where the Dead performed a legendary acoustic set featuring brand new music from WORKINGMANS DEAD and AMERICAN BEAUTY along with down home traditional tunes, straight from that “old, weird America”.
The second act will feature THE HARPUR COLLEGE DRIFTERS, a one time only gathering of stellar musicians including Dan Horne, Austin McCutchen, John Lee Shannon and Alex Koford of Grateful Shred along with Gabe Witcher, Leeann Skoda, Rob Stone and more to reimagine this famous show. An Evening of the Grateful Dead promises to illuminate the legacy of America’s most enduring band as well as give a flavor of one of their greatest live performances.
Featured Speakers and Performers:
Nick Paumgarten
Nick Paumgarten is a staff writer at the New Yorker magazine and the author of the forthcoming memoir "The Intangibles," from Penguin Press. His essay "Deadhead" appeared in the New Yorker in November, 2012.
Ray Robertson
Ray Robertson is the author of nine novels, five collections of non-fiction, and a book of poetry. His work has been translated into several languages. He contributed the liner notes to three Grateful Dead archival releases: Dave’s Picks #45, the Here Comes Sunshine 1973 boxed set, and the From The Mars Hotel 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. He lives in Toronto.
Leeann Skoda
Los Angeles singer/guitarist Leeann Skoda is known for her directing of lush harmonies and emotive guitarwork. You might’ve seen her on Jimmy Kimmel Live! backing up Noah Cyrus, touring & singing with Psychic Temple or harmonizing with Brian Bell of Weezer. When not on the road with heavy hitters, she’s an integral part of Los Angeles’ familial americana scene.
Rob Stone
Rob Stone is a powerhouse artist known for his award-winning harmonica playing and vocals. In 1994, Stone began touring internationally with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Sam Lay. As a bandleader, Stone has released a series of widely acclaimed albums over the last two decades-plus on the Earwig, VizzTone, and Blue Heart labels. He has headlined international tours throughout Europe and Japan, and opened major shows for B.B. King, Etta James, Robert Cray, and others.
Gabe Witcher
Gabe Witcher is a Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, and arranger. With decades of experience as a first call session musician, Witcher has written the scores to The Hunger Games, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and many others. He also frequently appears as a featured soloist on many award-winning film and television scores, including Brokeback Mountain, Toy Story, and Better Call Saul. As an arranger, Witcher has premiered works with the San Francisco Symphony, Boston Pops, and most recently New York City Center, where in 2023 he premiered a new arrangement of Copeland’s Rodeo .
EVENT FAQ
This new series is a salon-style inquiry into a theme, a moment, or an emotion with a wide variety of guests.
This program will take place at El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
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All tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for supporting the Los Angeles Public Library.
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