Photo Credit: Zapshots Photography

Stella Blues Band has announced the sixth installment of its Free Dead in the Park benefit concert, which aids Riverkeeper and is presented by The Capitol Theatre and RYTHM Premium Cannabis. The show is scheduled on Tuesday, May 13, at the Naumburg Bandshell in New York’s Central Park, two sets starting at 4:30 p.m. 

In the same vein as the Grateful Dead’s historic free show in New York’s green lung on May 5, 1968, Stella Blue’s Band will carry the torch by paying homage to the San Francisco jamband with select covers during next month’s charitable gathering. The event aims to raise awareness and financial support to assist with clean-up and restorative measures on the Hudson River and its surrounding ecosystem. 

“We’re thrilled to continue this annual tradition of supporting Free Dead in the Park and

Riverkeeper and bringing together the power of good music and collective action for the

environment in the heart of New York City,” said Peter Shapiro, owner of The Capitol Theatre.

As an added feature of the forthcoming concert, Stella Blue’s Band will receive the opportunity to use historic Grateful Dead instruments, including Jerry Garcia’s famous Alligator Fender Stratocaster and Bob Weir’s Modulus Blackknife guitars. This opportunity is provided by Grateful Guitars. 

Photographer Jay Blakesberg has also contributed to the occasion, producing an exclusive commemorative T-shirt with his own image of Jerry Garcia adorning it. The shirt will be given to all who become Riverkeeper members at the event. 

“We couldn’t do this without an army of good-hearted people who support the music and the

environment,” said Steve Liesman, Stell Blue’s Band rhythm guitar player, Riverkeeper board member, and CNBC senior economics reporter. “From the folks at NYC Parks to our sponsors and fans, the band is deeply grateful for all who join us in believing this wonderful music is a conduit for vital change.”

Free Dead in the Park began in 2018 when Stella Blue’s Band performed at the Naumburg Bandshell in New York’s Central Park to mark the 50th anniversary of the Dead’s historic performance, which featured Jefferson Airplane and the Paul Butterfield Band.