The Capitol Theatre’s time-honored tradition of marking Phil Lesh’s birthday with an annual concert series centered around mid-March dates will continue after the Grateful Dead bassist’s October 2024 passing. Billed as Grahame Lesh & Friends, the celebration of what would have been Phil’s 85th birthday will occur on March 14 and 15 in Port Chester, N.Y., with an all-star cast of close friends and collaborators. 

Hosted by Grahame Lesh & Friends, the two-night event is also slated to feature Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda, who previously took part in Phil Lesh & Friends 2022 run at The Cap, in addition to a roster of frequent collaborators and active members of Lesh live experience; Eric Krasno, Oteil Burbridge, Jason Crosby, John Molo and Jennifer Hartswick. 

“Phil’s heartfelt wish was for his music to live on through his family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans. We look forward to gathering with you all to connect and celebrate in Phil’s honor,” the venue imparted in line with the concert announcement. 

In our recent conversation with Crosby, he expressed Phil’s vision to keep the music present for future generations, “I remember him saying he wanted the Grateful Dead’s catalog to be like children’s stories, where they were physically passed down to the generations, not like in an email but more like, ‘Son, this is ‘Jack Straw,’ and here’s the story behind that song.’ That’s a beautiful thing. And he did that personally. That’s really how he viewed the music and what he hoped for it, and it is happening!”

Crosby is the latest in a series of artist conversations centered around Phil’s impact; read more from Jimmy Herring, and Mike Gordon. For additional content, Phil Lesh – December 2024 Relix Collector’s Issue. 

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 10 a.m.