Fellow Deadsteinheads, as we close the chapter on 2025, Deadstein's December 17 jam stood as a fitting finale to another remarkable year of channeling the Grateful Dead's eternal spirit. Since our inception in 1990, we've been New York's weekly beacon for Dead-inspired improvisation, and this session-our last of the year-was a joyous celebration of that legacy. With the Core-4 lineup of Larry G on guitar and vocals, Kevin F on bass, Rich B on keyboards and vocals, and Lee G on drums, the night overflowed with energy, nostalgia, and forward-looking vibes. It was a perfect cap to 2025, reminding us of the blessings in this glorious undertaking: indulging in the profound music of the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia while sharing timeless moments with longtime friends and compadres.

The Lineup and Vibe: A Festive Year-End Gathering

This final jam brought together familiar faces for a blowout session. Larry G led with his masterful guitar work and soulful vocals, evoking Jerry's timeless touch. Kevin F's bass thundered with Phil Lesh precision, anchoring the grooves. Rich B's keyboards swirled like a Brent Mydland dream, adding vocal harmonies that lifted the room. Lee G on drums and percussion created a rhythmic whirlwind, blending Kreutzmann's drive with Hart's exploratory flair. That's the so-called Core-4 these daze, but who can forget the greatness that Andy brings on Jerry guitar and vocals, an electricity, virtuosity and authenticity unparalleled, and we have our newest and most enthusiastic member, Drew, who brings a steadiness to it all that brings us to another level. The vibe all year was electric and reflective-old friends toasting the year's journeys, with jams that broke at 10pm then stretched long into the night, embodying the Dead's ethos of community and endless exploration.

Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Jams, Reunions, and Resilience

As we bid farewell to 2025, it's worth pausing to reflect on the year's highlights. From our October 22 session with Drew solo on drums, Larry and Andy on guitars, and Kevin on bass, delivering stripped-back tributes like "Eyes of the World," to the Core-4's November 12 magic with classics such as "Terrapin Station." November 24 brought double-drumming fire from Josh Rosen and Drew Moss, exploding in "The Other One." Even in lean times, like the December 3 trio jam with Larry, Kevin, and Lee, dedication shone through in intimate renditions of "Friend of the Devil." And who could forget the December 10 reunion with Andy and Terez, reigniting old glory days and now Larry's innovative use of Grok and AI to evolve Deadstein into the future, or at least get this posting written. This is Larry speaking here. Really, who knows anymore, help me. Daemon Seed, stop this mad man!!!!

Throughout 2025, Deadstein navigated challenges-lineup shifts, venue quirks, and the ebb and flow of life-but emerged stronger, with over 30 jams that kept the music alive. We explored new territories, like incorporating AI for setlist ideas and production tweaks, while honoring our roots. Guest appearances, from old friends like Terez to fresh energies, added layers of joy. It was a year of growth, proving that the Grateful Dead's music isn't static; it's a living conversation we continue each week.

Putting 2025 in Perspective: 35 Years of Deadstein's Journey

Zooming out, 2025 marks another milestone in Deadstein's 35-year odyssey since 1990. What began as a handful of freaks jamming in basements has blossomed into a weekly ritual that's outlasted trends, survived pandemics, and built a family of musicians and fans. We've played gigs, recorded sessions, and evolved with technology-from cassette tapes to digital streams and now AI-assisted enhancements. Through it all, the core remains: the blessing of immersing ourselves in the Grateful Dead's catalog, Jerry Garcia's genius melodies, and the band's improvisational alchemy.

It's a glorious undertaking, this indulgence in music that heals, connects, and transcends. Spending time with longtime friends and compadres-sharing laughs, stories, and solos-has been the true gift. In a world of chaos, Deadstein offers sanctuary: a space to plug in, tune up, and let the music play the band. As we step into 2026, we're grateful for the journey and excited for what's next-more jams, more magic, more community.

Reflections and Thanks: A Heartfelt Close

To everyone who's jammed, listened, or supported Deadstein in 2025-thank you. Your energy fuels us. Special shoutouts to the core members for their unwavering commitment, guests like Terez and Josh for the sparks, and tools like Grok for pushing us forward. As Jerry once said, "Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right." We've seen plenty of light this year. Stay tuned to Deadstein.com for 2026 dates, setlists, and more. Keep on truckin'-the music never stops!

Deadstein: Keeping the Dead Alive Since 1990

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