Latest news with #BillyStrings
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
In the Age of the Algorithm, Roots Music Is Rising
Billy Strings and Chris Thile were singing an old song called 'Rabbit in a Log' at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Clouds of weedy smoke rolled up to the stage from below, and thunder echoed from the surrounding mountain peaks as the crowd of 7,000 nodded blissfully and trance-bopped in Dead-show fashion. The song, also known as 'Feast Here Tonight,' is about extracting a rabbit from a hollow log when you don't have a dog (you'll need to fashion a brier snare), cooking it over an open fire and finding a place to lay your weary bones for the night. So it's about the techniques and outlook of the hobo, redolent of atavistic physical competence and the unforgiving facts of life. Like a lot of old-timey music heard in our disorienting present, it sounds like equipment for living, shaped and road-tested by hard times. Bill Monroe, the main force behind the merger of Scottish fiddle tunes with blues and gospel that came to be called bluegrass, recorded the song in the 1930s, but its roots extend back to earlier folk traditions in the South. It carries a considerable payload of history, and it also offers an occasion to shred. Billy Strings, who is already regarded at age 32 as an all-time great flat picker, grimaced in concentration as he laid down dense, twisting skeins of guitar notes. Thile, who is known as a wizard of the mandolin able to play anything with anybody, was all smiles and seemed to do everything without effort: impossibly swift runs, chordal washes, daring harmonic touches. Billy Strings told me later that his immediate reaction to hearing Thile warm up on mandolin backstage was 'I better get some coffee.' But Billy Strings was the main attraction. Born William Lee Apostol, he is one of the biggest names in the world of roots music and still getting bigger. He consistently sells out arenas, and it seems just a matter of time before he moves up to stadiums. He has been wildly successful in attracting fans of all ages, including devotees of jam bands, heavy metal and other genres beyond the roots-music scene. He told me, 'I'll throw in some diminished runs for metalheads; you know, put some horns on it,' referring to the devil-horns finger gesture favored by fans of heavy metal, who lap up the ominous minor sound of diminished chords. Billy Strings, whose marquee turn with Thile opened the Telluride festival last June, was one of a cohort of youngish, proven-yet-still-rising stars who converged there that also included Molly Tuttle, Charley Crockett and Sierra Ferrell. They are all big fish in the expanding pond of the roots-music scene who have been testing the vaster waters of the mainstream — showing up all over late-night TV, movie soundtracks and music awards shows. Endlessly in demand as guest stars on other artists' songs, they are both generating and riding the cultural momentum as American popular music makes one of its regular cyclical swings back toward acoustic instruments and natural voices, the values of community and craft and a heightened sense of connection to the soulful experience and hard-won wisdom of those who lived in the past. Like crafting and sewing and other embodied competences also making a comeback, music handmade by flesh-and-blood humans on instruments made of wood and metal has acquired special added meaning. It offers a strong contrast to the disembodied digital reality that more and more of us inhabit more and more of the time. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park: How to Get Tickets (Even Though the Shows Are Sold Out)
The post Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park: How to Get Tickets (Even Though the Shows Are Sold Out) appeared first on Consequence. In honor of the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary, its spin-off Dead & Company will be playing three shows in the band's hometown of San Francisco this August. Taking place in the city's Golden Gate Park beginning August 1st, Dead & Company will be supported by openers Billy Strings, Sturgill 'Johnny Blue Skies' Simpson, and Trey Anastasio Band. Read on for complete details about this tour, including how to get tickets (even though the shows are now sold out), venue details, opening acts and everything you need to know. Get Dead & Company Tickets Here To celebrate 60 years since the Grateful Dead's formation, Dead & Company will play three nights in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, where the original band got its start. The Dead & Company lineup includes Grateful Dead co-founders Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, Jeff Chimenti, and Jay Lane. The group will play hits from the Grateful Dead's catalogue to celebrate the band's history. 08/01 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Park * 08/02 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Park ** 08/03 – San Francisco, CA @ Golden Gate Park ^ * = w/ Billy Strings ** = w/ Sturgill 'Johnny Blue Skies' Simpson ^ = w/ Trey Anastasio Band Three-day and one-day tickets to Dead & Company's 2025 Golden Gate Park Concerts went on sale Friday, May 30th, and quickly sold-out. As such, secondary ticket marketplaces like StubHub have become a primary option for securing Dead & Company tickets, especially for high-demand shows. Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park – 3-Day Pass (Get Tickets) Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park – Friday Only (Get Tickets) Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park – Saturday Only (Get Tickets) Dead & Company at Golden Gate Park – Sunday Only (Get Tickets) Note: If you're planning a trip to see Dead & Company, you can save 15% off travel and accommodations through Secondary market prices fluctuate based on demand, location, and timing. Prices typically start higher and may decrease closer to the event date. As of publication, Get Tickets prices are currently start at $898, while VIP are available for $3,356 and Super VIP are on sale for $9,548. Single-day tickets for Get Tickets start at $363, Saturday at $369, and Sunday at $337. Two exclusive VIP package options are available for the Dead & Company Golden Gate Park shows, each offering unique experiences for fans. VIP Ticket Each Dead & Company VIP Ticket includes: Expedited entry and an up-front viewing area on the Polo Field with dedicated bar access Exclusive lounges Upgraded restrooms Courtyard and elevated viewing lounge options featuring exclusive food vendors, full-service bars and bleacher seating Golden Road Super VIP Ticket Each Dead & Company Golden Road Super VIP Ticket includes: Expedited Golden Road Super VIP venue entrance lane Access to ALL VIP & GA amenities, PLUS: First venue entry selected via a random drawing and priority access to the Polo Field and all viewing areas Exclusive stage front Golden Road Super VIP viewing pit Dedicated Golden Road Sky Viewing Deck & Lounge with comfortable seating, as well as: Complimentary dining throughout the event served in the lounge, including a variety of options such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes Full-service open bar (wine, beer, cocktails, water, soft drinks, coffee) in the lounge Private merchandise store for Golden Road Super VIPs only Exclusive, premium restroom trailers Dedicated Golden Road concierge and on-site concert host Golden Road Super VIP merchandise gift Exclusive event poster, signed and numbered by the poster artist Option to purchase a Golden Road VIP parking pass Get Dead & Company Tickets Here Dead & Company will celebrate the Grateful Dead's music throughout the three-night run, with the band promising a new experience each night. Dead & Company are known for creating a unique setlist for each of their shows, keeping Deadheads on their toes. During their Las Vegas residency at The Sphere, the group played songs like 'Sugar Magnolia,' 'Slipknot!,' and 'Fire on the Mountain.' Dead & Company will be joined by Billy Strings on August 1st, Sturgill 'Johnny Blue Skies' Simpson on August 2nd, and Trey Anastasio Band on August 3rd. The park concerts will also have Participation Row, Dead & Company's fan-powered social action village hosted by HeadCount and REVERB. Participation Row will feature a curated lineup of nonprofit organizations and a charity auction of band-signed memorabilia. How much do tickets cost for Dead & Company's 2025 Golden Gate Park Concerts? Three-day tickets will start at $635 ($556 + $79 fees) while single day tickets will be start at $245 ($209 + $36 fees). Will there be VIP packages available for Dead & Company's 2025 Golden Gate Park Concerts? Yes, there will be a VIP ticket starting at $1,725 ($1,575 + $150 fees) and the Golden Road Super VIP ticket starting at $6,236 ($5,997 + $239 fees). Are there age restrictions for Dead & Company's 2025 Golden Gate Park Concerts? The event is open to all ages. How many dates will Dead & Company play in Golden Gate Park? There will be three shows on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Who are the opening acts for the Dead & Company's 2025 Golden Gate Park Concerts? Dead & Company will be joined by Billy Strings on August 1st, Sturgill 'Johnny Blue Skies' Simpson on August 2nd, and Trey Anastasio Band on August 3rd. How long is a typical Dead & Company concert? During their Vegas residency, Dead & Company played for about 3.5 hours each night. How can I stay updated on tour information? Fans can sign up for artist pre-sale access and updates on Dead & Company's website or follow official social media channels. Set price alerts on StubHub for your preferred shows Check secondary markets immediately after pre-sales begin Compare prices across different platforms Watch for price drops 1-2 weeks before the event Immediately after general on-sale if primary tickets sell out 1-2 weeks before the concert as more tickets often become available Last minute (1-3 days before the show) when Dead & Company ticket prices sometimes drop Create or log into your StubHub account Search for 'Dead & Company tickets' or the specific venue Filter by date, price range, and seat location Review the ticket details carefully (section, row, delivery method) Complete your purchase Receive Dead & Company tickets via mobile transfer or the StubHub app FanProtect™ Guarantee ensures valid tickets or your money back 24/7 customer service Secure transactions Instant ticket delivery for many listings Popular Posts Billy Joel Diagnosed with Brain Disorder, Cancels All Upcoming Tour Dates Man Wearing Nazi T-Shirt Gets a Beatdown from Fans at Punk Rock Bowling Fest Freddie Mercury's Alleged Child Revealed in New Biography Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Are Now In-Laws David Lynch's Personal Archive Going Up for Auction Dave Mustaine: Metallica Stole "Enter Sandman" Riff from Another Band Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dead & Company tickets for Golden Gate Park already topping $9,000 on StubHub
Tickets for Dead & Company 's three-night run at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park this summer were expected to sell out within hours of going on sale Friday morning, despite prices that surpassed those of major music festivals like Coachella, Outside Lands and BottleRock — and prices on the resale market have already soared into the thousands. The shows, scheduled for August 1–3 at the Polo Field, commemorate 60 years of Grateful Dead music and will feature performances by bluegrass phenom Billy Strings (Aug 1), country rocker Sturgill Simpson in his Johnny Blue Skies persona (Aug. 2), and the Trey Anastasio Band (Aug. 3). Each act will open with a 75-minute set before Dead & Company — featuring Grateful Dead veterans Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, joined by guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, pianist Jeff Chimenti and drummer Jay Lane — takes the stage. General admission weekend passes originally started at $635, while single-day tickets were priced at $245. High-end packages escalated quickly, with VIP tiers reaching $6,236 and the Golden Road Super VIP package priced at $9,548. That top-tier experience includes early venue access, a private viewing deck, complimentary dining and drinks, premium restrooms, concierge service, and a signed, limited-edition poster. For those who missed the initial sale, the secondary market is offering a second chance — at a premium. As of Friday, StubHub listed three-day general admission passes for $898. VIP packages were priced up to $3,356, with some Golden Road Super VIP listings already topping $9,000 per day. General admission single-day tickets, meanwhile, started at $338 and $896, depending on the date. Prices are expected to fluctuate, particularly one to two weeks before the event. During the Grateful Dead's heyday, tickets typically cost between $8 and $24 — and many of the band's shows in Golden Gate Park between 1966 and 1991 were free. According to Billboard Boxscore, after Dead & Company earned $21.6 million from six concerts at Las Vegas' Sphere in March, as part of a return engagement following a successful run last year.
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dead & Company announces ticket info, support acts for Golden Gate Park shows
Dead & Company has finally released ticket information for its three-night run in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park this summer, commemorating 60 years of Grateful Dead music. The concerts are scheduled to take place Aug. 1-3 at the Polo Field and feature special guest performances by bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings (Aug. 1), Sturgill 'Johnny Blue Skies' Simpson (Aug. 2), and the Trey Anastasio Band (Aug. 3). The series is being produced by Another Planet Entertainment and Live Nation in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. Artist presale for 3-day tickets begins 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, with general public sales opening Friday, May 30. Ticket packages start at $635 for the full weekend, with single-day tickets starting at $245 to be released at a later date. In addition to standard tickets, VIP and Golden Road Super VIP Packages will offer perks such as expedited entry, exclusive lounge access, elevated viewing decks, and premium food and beverage service. Travel packages including hotel accommodations and shuttle service are also available. The shows mark Dead & Company's first Bay Area appearance since their sold-out 2023 run at Oracle Park, which drew over 118,000 fans and generated an estimated $30.9 million in economic impact.
New York Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A 7-Song, 130-Minute Jam Band Primer
Dear listeners, It has become a joke among a few friends and colleagues that I am the newspaper's jam band correspondent. I have written (and Popcasted!) about the Grateful Dead, Phish's wizard-like lighting director and, last month, Goose. I do these stories because I like this music, and in some cases love it. Now, it is time for me to make my case. If you've ever found yourself even a little jam-band curious, then this one is for you. A jam band borrows the grammar the Grateful Dead set more than a half-century ago: concerts with ever-shifting set lists; songs with ample room for extensive improvisation; eclectic musical roots encompassing bluegrass, gospel, jazz and rock (Southern, prog, classic, indie); fans who treasure live recordings over studio albums; and an ethos that is laid-back and, though sometimes serious, rarely self-serious. Roll your eyes if you must. But jam bands aren't going anywhere. Goose and the virtuosic guitarist Billy Strings are on the cusp of mainstream moments. Suddenly, somehow, the Dead became a little bit cool. Jam bands might be perfectly suited to our era, in which an artist's best bet is developing intimate relationships with core groups of passionate fans who will pay for tickets, merch and subscriptions. What follows is a 101-level syllabus. Live tracks only, of course. If you get confused, listen to the music play.
