An all-new DelFest Does Dead vinyl release has just been announced. Last year’s initial installment drew on a number of performers from DelFest 2025 who interpreted the music of the good ol’ Grateful Dead.
DelFest Does Dead, Volume 2, is 2-LP vinyl release that presents music from this year’s event. Artists include: Travelin’ McCourys, Toy Factory Project, Blackberry Smoke, Maggie Rose ft. Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, Shadowgrass ft. Heaven McCoury, Magoo, Gilbert Lee, Falco & Book, Buffalo Rose, and Sierra Hull.
Ronnie McCoury remarks, “Last year, we started talking about doing something to celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead, and it just kind of grew from there with DelFest Does Dead Vol. 1 in 2025. Pete Shapiro and I have talked about this music a lot over the years, and there’s such a natural connection between the Dead and bluegrass.
“Once we started getting everybody together at DelFest to honor the Dead in 2025… watching all the bands play these songs, it was just fun. Really fun. We had such a good time with it that we knew we weren’t done. So, here we are with DelFest Does Dead Vol. 2. More songs, more friends, and we’ll see where it goes.”
A pre-order is currently underway for the release, with a portion of proceeds to benefit the Rex Foundation, the charitable organization founded by members of the Grateful Dead in 1983.
The complete tracklist appears below:
Side A
Scarlet Begonias – The Travelin’ McCourys
They Love Each Other – Toy Factory Project
U.S. Blues – Blackberry Smoke
Side B
Sugaree – Maggie Rose ft. Sierra Hull
Jack Straw – The Infamous Stringdusters
Cold Rain & Snow – Peter Rowan
Side C
Mr. Charlie – Shadowgrass ft. Heaven McCoury
Peggy-O – Magoo
Uncle John’s Band – Gilbert Lee
Side D
Wharf Rat – Falco & Book
Samson & Delilah – Buffalo Rose
Black Muddy River – Sierra Hull
