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🌹 From Garcia to Mayer: Keeping the Dead’s Spirit Alive

Published 3 months ago • 2 min read

🎶 "Let there be songs to fill the air..."

~ “Ripple", first played live February 18, 1970 at the Fillmore East in New York City. Words and music by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. A fitting line for this issue — Jerry was the drop that started the ripple in the water, and as it continues to ripple outwards, the music and fan base continues to expand.

❤️ The Weeks Flew By, and We’re Back

It’s been a busy month, and we missed a couple of issues—but the ripple never stops! We’re back with a special edition celebrating John Mayer, Dead & Company, and some unforgettable visuals. Let’s dive in and ride the ripple together.

🌹Ripple Effect: From Jerry to John and Beyond

Jerry Garcia was the first drop in the water, sending ripples that have traveled across decades. From intimate club shows to stadium performances, those ripples continue to spread—touching hearts, inspiring improvisation, and connecting generations. Today, Dead & Company carries that ripple forward, with John Mayer adding his own notes to the expanding wave, bringing new ears to the music while honoring the spirit of the original sound.

​➡️ Read on to see how that ripple continues...​

🎸 How John Mayer Joined the Ripple

In 2015, a chance collaboration on The Late Late Show brought John Mayer face-to-face with Bob Weir, sparking a musical partnership that would become Dead & Company. But how did Mayer go from a Dead fan to sharing the stage with the band’s legendary members?

​➡️ Read on to see the story unfold...​

🎨 Poster Spotlight: Night 3 – Golden Gate Park 8/3/25

The final night of the 60th Anniversary shows at Golden Gate Park is immortalized in this stunning poster featuring the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a perfect symbol of Dead & Company’s enduring journey—connecting the past, present, and future of the music. This poster celebrates the band’s legacy, the fans who keep the music alive, and the ripple that Jerry Garcia started decades ago.

​➡️ Explore the anniversary poster art​

🎸🌹 Solo Ripples: John Mayer Bringing the Dead to His Tours

John Mayer’s connection to the Grateful Dead isn’t limited to Dead & Company. On his solo tours, he’s brought the Dead’s music to stages across the country, offering fresh interpretations of classics like Friend of the Devil, Bird Song, and Fire on the Mountain.

​➡️ Read on to see when and where he performed these gems...​

🎶 From Jerry to John: A Listening Experiment 🎶

One of the joys of following Dead & Company has been hearing how John Mayer approaches the same songs Jerry Garcia once made iconic. The tone, the phrasing, the feel—it’s never a copy, but always a conversation across time.

This playlist is designed as a side-by-side listen: each track begins with a classic Dead/Jerry performance, followed immediately by a Mayer-era take. Cue it up back-to-back and hear the music evolve, echo, and transform.

🌊 Ripple Moment: Practice Mindful Listening

🌀 Today, take 10 minutes to truly listen—whether it’s a favorite Dead or Dead & Company track, the sounds of nature around you, or someone sharing their story. Put away distractions, focus fully, and let yourself be present.

This simple act of attentive listening is more powerful than it seems. It sends a ripple of care outward—showing others that they are heard, valued, and appreciated. Just as music connects generations of Deadheads, your attention can connect you to the people and world around you.

Try it today and notice the ripple you create.

NFA 🌹🌻

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More soon. Stay kind...

Todd & Michelle

​China Cat Chat​

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💌 Got a Story to Share?

We want your tales from the trail! Whether it’s a recipe from Shakedown Street, a memory from the lot, your all-time favorite show, or just a lyric that’s stayed with you—we’d love to hear it. China Cat Chat is for Deadheads, by Deadheads, and your voice makes this community what it is.

We’re also always looking for folks to interview in upcoming issues. If the music has touched your life in a special way, or you’ve got a perspective to share, drop us a line!

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Introducing the "China Cat Chat" newsletter – your gateway to the mesmerizing world of Grateful Dead, curated for ardent enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Dive into the pulsating heart of this iconic band's legacy with our meticulously crafted content. Delve into captivating stories behind the music, relive legendary concerts, and explore the profound cultural impact of the Grateful Dead. Whether you're a seasoned "Deadhead" or just embarking on this enchanting musical journey, "China Cat Chat" is your companion. Expect thought-provoking analyses of the band's discography, revealing the evolution of their sound and the profound themes woven into their lyrics. Immerse yourself in our in-depth retrospectives, highlighting pivotal moments in the band's history and the countercultural movement they shaped. But "China Cat Chat" goes beyond music – it uncovers the band's connections to art, literature, and spirituality, offering a holistic view of their influence. Engage with interviews of band members, collaborators, and experts, gaining unique insights into the magic that defined an era. Join us in celebrating the Grateful Dead's enduring spirit – subscribe to "China Cat Chat" and become a part of a vibrant community passionate about keeping the legacy alive.

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