‘Day Of The Dead’ Listening Parties Planned

On May 20, 4AD will issue the 59-track Grateful Dead tribute box set Day Of The Dead featuring artists performing songs made famous by the legendary rock band. Curated by The National’s Aaron Dessner and Bryce Dessner, proceeds from the sales will benefit the Red Hot Organization’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, a number of official listening parties taking place around the U.S. have been announced.

Comprising over five hours of music performed by musicians such as The National, The War On Drugs, Jim James, Bruce Hornsby, Courtney Barnett, Mumford & Sons, Wilco, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucius, Bela Fleck, The Walkmen, Real Estate, Hiss Golden Messenger and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the box set also features contributions from Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir. Hosted in conjunction with Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing Company, Day Of The Dead listening parties are planned on May 19 in such locations as Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Long Island New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Portland among several others. Additionally, a listening party in Burlington, Vermont will be held May 17, while one in Boston will take place May 18. The Minneapolis event will be hosted on May 22. View the graphic below for a full list of participating venues.

The official Day Of The Dead Twitter handle teased another possible upcoming live performance. The account shared a GIF of The Nationals’ Scott Devendorf and Aaron Dessner set up to perform with the caption, “More #DayofTheDead live performances coming your way ft. @aaron_dessner @bryce_dessner.”

Watch The National play the Grateful Dead live staple “Morning Dew” earlier this week on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4paT-FtAHzU