Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Outlines Wolf Trap Date with Grahame Lesh, Melvin Seals, Tom Hamilton and More
The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration returns on September 4, 2026, to the Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va., for a very special concert with the National Symphony Orchestra, and featuring second-generation torchbearers of the beloved guitarist’s songbook. The musical occasion will illuminate 60 years of the Grateful Dead and Garcia’s profound and lasting influence.
Represented on the forthcoming lineup of musical contributors are Garcia’s former collaborators and JBG members, keyboardist Melvin Seals and profound vocalist Jacklyn Labranch. Also included on the list of participating players is the son of the Dead’s founding bassist, Grahame Lesh, in addition to Joe Russo’s Almost Dead member and guitarist, Tom Hamilton.
The lineup also includes other artists who have flirted with the Grateful Dead songbook, such as percussionist John Morgan Kimock and vocal powerhouse Kanika Moore.
According to the event page, the night will “Commemorate 60 years of Grateful Dead music and Jerry Garcia’s enduring influence, the National Symphony Orchestra adds symphonic might to timeless tracks like ‘Dark Star’ and ‘Ripple.’”
Notably, an iteration of the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration, featuring the Colorado Symphony, took place last year at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., in early July. The Centennial State appearance followed a double feature with the Boston Pops, June 4-5, 2025.
A pre-sale for the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration at the Wolf Trap begins Wednesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. ET, using code RIPPLE.
General on-sale follows, Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. E.T.
