Greetings, Deadsteinheads! As we launch into 2026, Deadstein continues its unwavering mission to keep the Grateful Dead's improvisational legacy alive and thriving. Since our first jam on October 9, 1990, at 162 Perry Street in New York City, we've been New York's weekly haven for Dead-inspired grooves, blending reverence for the originals with our own creative flair. Our January 7, 2026 session at Carroll's 55th Street studio marked the perfect start to the year-a vibrant, high-energy tribute to the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. With a dynamic lineup featuring both familiar faces and an exciting new addition, the night was filled with soulful harmonies, expansive jams, and that unmistakable Deadstein magic. This jam wasn't just a performance; it was a celebration of community, evolution, and the timeless pull of the Dead's catalog.

The Lineup and Vibe: A Blend of Core Strength and Fresh Harmony

The evening's ensemble showcased Deadstein's core resilience while introducing a fresh voice that elevated the entire experience. Larry Gindoff held down guitar and vocals with his signature Weir-esque finesse, weaving melodic lines that captured the essence of Bobby's exploratory style. Andy Trister joined for the first set on lead guitar and vocals, adding his energy and Jerry-style that only he can and vocal depth to kick things off with gusto. Kevin Forrester anchored the low end on bass, channeling Phil Lesh's innovative bombs and grooves to keep the foundation rock-solid. Rich Brotpen commanded the keyboards and vocals, evoking the swirling organ tones of Brent Mydland and Pigpen seamlessly. On drums, Drew Moss powered through the first set with Billy Kreutzmann-like drive, before handing off to Lee Ganbarg, whose Mickey Hart-inspired percussion added layers of texture and energy for the remainder of the night.

But a real highlight? The Deadstein debut of Pink Alisa (or simply Pink), a talented vocalist whose addition brought a new dimension to our sound. As Rich Brotpen shared in his introduction: "Over the past 3 years, Alisa (or Pink for short), has been singing in the Sound Dogs band. So naturally, I've had ample occasions to introduce her to the many fascinating musical aspects of playing Grateful Dead music. Turns out, she's a natural fit on the Donna / Brent / Phil vocal harmonies. So, during the holiday season, I rehearsed with her a few times and she's learned over 20 songs from the songbook. She can add spot-on harmonies to any of the songs on the attached list which is growing by the week." Pink's harmonies were indeed a game-changer, infusing tracks with the layered vocal richness reminiscent of Donna Jean Godchaux's soaring contributions and Brent's soulful backups. She jumped right in, making classics like "Scarlet Begonias" and "Uncle John's Band" shimmer with renewed vibrancy. The vibe in the room was electric-intimate yet expansive, with the band locking into telepathic jams that stretched and evolved, much like a classic Dead show. Pink's seamless integration felt like a natural extension of Deadstein's family, proving once again that our jams thrive on collaboration and fresh perspectives.

The Setlist: A Journey Through Dead Classics with High-Energy Twists

The night unfolded with a thoughtfully curated setlist drawing from the Grateful Dead's vast repertoire, emphasizing upbeat openers, mid-set explorations, and crowd-pleasing closers. We kicked off with "Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo," Andy's guitar leading the way into a swinging groove that set a buoyant tone. Kevin's bass locked in perfectly, while Rich's keyboards added shimmering fills. "Greatest Story Ever Told" followed, with Larry's vocals driving the narrative flair and Drew's drums propelling the energy forward.

As the first set built momentum, "Tennessee Jed" brought a rootsy bounce, Pink's harmonies lifting the chorus to new heights. "Promised Land" revved up the tempo, evoking Chuck Berry's rock 'n' roll roots with a Deadstein twist-fast, fun, and full of fire. "Hey Pocky Way" injected some New Orleans funk, Lee's eventual percussion adding rhythmic complexity that had everyone moving. "Shakedown Street" grooved hard, with extended jams allowing Larry and Andy to trade licks in a disco-tinged psychedelic haze.

"Cassidy" offered a moment of introspection, its folk-rock beauty enhanced by Rich's piano work and Pink's subtle vocal support. The transition into "Eyes of the World > Jack Straw" was seamless, the former's jazzy explorations giving way to the latter's storytelling punch- a highlight that showcased the band's improvisational prowess. "Birdsong" soared ethereally, with Pink's harmonies evoking Donna's ethereal presence, creating a spacey, uplifting interlude.

"Help On the Way > Slipknot! > The Wheel > Sugar Magnolia," a multi-part epic that tested and rewarded the ensemble's cohesion. Andy's guitar navigated the intricate "Slipknot!" sections with precision, while Kevin and Lee (now on drums) provided the rhythmic backbone.

The second set opened strong with "Stop That Train" brought a reggae-infused chill, Pink's vocals adding warmth to the mix. "Women Are Smarter" kept the party going with its calypso bounce, everyone chiming in on the infectious chorus.

As the night wound down, "Ripple" provided a acoustic-tinged breather, its mandolin-like guitar lines and harmonious vocals offering a poignant reflection. "You Win Again" dipped into country blues, honoring Hank Williams with Dead flair. "Uncle John's Band" united the room in sing-along glory, Pink's contributions making the harmonies pop. "Casey Jones" chugged along with train-like momentum, and "Scarlet Begonias" bloomed into a fiery jam. We closed with "Deal," a high-octane rocker that left everyone buzzing-Jerry's spirit alive in every note.

Reflections on the Jam: Evolution, Dedication, and Looking Ahead

This January 7 jam encapsulated what makes Deadstein special: our commitment to the Grateful Dead's music while embracing growth and new talent. Pink Alisa's debut was a revelation-her quick adaptation to over 20 songs from our songbook added layers of harmony that enriched tracks like "Birdsong" and "Sugar Magnolia." We continue evolve our history, ensuring each session builds on 35+ years of jams.

In a world where music scenes come and go, Deadstein endures because of dedication like this. Larry's innovative use of tools like Grok for content creation and AI for website enhancements keeps us modern, while our core ethos remains rooted in the Dead's improvisational joy. The night reminded us of past highlights: from our 1990 Perry Street origins to recent 2025 gems like the December 17 Core-4 finale. With Andy and Drew energizing the first set, and Lee stepping in smoothly, the transitions felt organic, mirroring the Dead's own fluidity.

Technically, the Carroll's space shone-great acoustics for Pink's vocals, and our setup allowed for clear mixes. No major hiccups, just pure flow. Complete MP3 embeds ensure we can all relive the magic.

Thanks and a Nod to the Future

A huge thank you to Pink Alisa for her stellar debut-welcome to the Deadstein family! Shouts to Larry, Andy, Kevin, Rich, Drew, and Lee for their passion. To our community: your support keeps us jamming. We're already planning more in 2026-stay tuned for gigs, reunions, and surprises. As Bobby might say, "The music never stopped." Freak out, and see you next week!

Deadstein: Keeping the Dead Alive Since 1990

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