PLAYING DEAD At Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame Marks Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary

The Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame will mark the 50th anniversary of the 6/11/76 Grateful Dead concert with a performance by Playing Dead at the Boch Center Wang Theatre Grand Lobby (270 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116).

The 6/11/76 Dead concert,  the fifth show of the Grateful Dead's comeback tour, was filled with new arrangements of classics from the Dead's early days. Grateful Dead historian David Lemieux said of the concert, “The perfection they achieved on this tour is on full display on June 11, 1976, in Boston.”  Playing Dead will recreate the feeling of that night, performing the Dead's second set featuring Sugar Magnolia, St. Stephen, Stella Blue, and more. 

“The Dead played here more than a dozen times, but this show, 50 years ago, stands out as one of the absolute highlights of the Wang Theatre's 100-year history. We have hosted some incredible acts from Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith to Whitney Houston and Lady Gaga, and the Dead show remains an all-time fan favorite,” said Casey Soward, President and CEO of the Boch Center. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to this historic theatre in partnership with Rhino Records as we pay homage to one of the greatest shows in the Dead's extensive catalog.”

Playing Dead is a Grateful Dead tribute featuring former members of Dark Star Orchestra, Slipknot!, and Uncle John's Band. Their marathon sets feature music and jams from the entire Grateful Dead catalog. Playing Dead faithfully recreates the experience of a live Grateful Dead concert. The music of The Grateful Dead is a complex stew of different styles of music, including rock, blues, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and more. Their improvisational style and large repertoire guaranteed that every musical performance would be unique. Every Playing Dead show is equally unique, featuring different set lists each night and exciting improvisational jams.

The evening will include special offerings from Rhino Records, which recently re-released a recording of the 6/11/76 performance on a special 5LP Record Store Day offering. Grateful Dead Citrus Daydream and Juicy Pale Ale from event sponsor Dogfish Head Brewery will be on tap along with Dead-themed food and merchandise, including a special commemorative poster. The David Bieber Archives will curate a special exhibit about the Dead and their history in Boston.

A limited number of tickets are on sale now at FolkAmericanaRootsHallofFame.org. VIP Packages are available, including early access to the event, a backstage tour of the theatre, photo opportunities, and a commemorative lanyard.

The evening will include a performance by Playing Dead, Grateful Dead-themed food & beverage, special merchandise opportunities, and much more. Tickets are on sale now at FolkAmericanaRootsHallofFame.org. 

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