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🎶 “While the firelight’s aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow.”

~ Lady with a Fan (from the Terrapin Station suite), First played live: February 26, 1977, at Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino, CA, Written by: Jerry Garcia (music), Robert Hunter (lyrics)

🚐 Haight-Ashbury Walking Tour Highlights

Before the music even started, we hit the streets of Haight-Ashbury for a self-guided walking tour through Grateful Dead history—complete with vintage murals, legendary homes, and some perfect weather for a siesta in Buena Vista Park. From tie-dye shops and Jerry-themed airport surprises to veggie paella and sun-drenched hilltop views, our first day in the city was the perfect kickoff to a magical weekend.

​Read All About the Walking Tour -->​

🎨 Friday: Ferry Ride, Irish Coffees, & First Entry Magic

Our second day in San Francisco was one for the books. From a sunrise ferry ride and alfajores at the Ferry Building to a serendipitous “Country Roads” moment at Fisherman’s Wharf, we followed the music (and a few signs from above) all the way to Golden Gate Park. With First Entry tickets, we found our perfect spot by the sound booth just in time for Billy Strings to kick things off.

​Read the full post of the Friday adventure and see the pics here -->​

🌀 The San Francisco Scene

Last issue, we were dreaming about Golden Gate Park. This time, we're writing from the glow of having lived it — and wow, what a weekend. The firelight was real. So were the shadows in the trees, the joy in the faces, and the unmistakable magic that only happens when Deadheads gather by the thousands.

In this issue, we’re sharing a few of our favorite moments and snapshots from GD60 — click the link below to read about the rest of the weekend (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday).

🌹 Read the Full Show by Show Recap Here...​

If you were given this postcard during the show, we have others you can download here! ✨

🎵 - Weekend Playlist

A ripple of sound to carry you through the weekend—this mix leans into the warm, open-hearted spirit of community and quiet resistance we’ve been reflecting on. You’ll find soaring jams, soul-soothing ballads, and a few under-the-radar live cuts that remind us how the Dead could stretch time and soften the edges of a hard day. Whether you're sharing it with someone new or keeping it close for your own walkabout, let this soundtrack be a gentle push toward kindness, groove, and connection. Hit play, and take the trip.​

Listen to the Music Play

🌊 Ripple Moment: Radical Kindness

The beauty of this community is in its openness—no gatekeeping, no ego, just shared joy and radical kindness like when walking through huge crowds and people move to let you through. In a world that often feels divided and loud, these small acts of compassion bring us together and help form connections we all need.

🌀 Pass it on: Hold the door. Let someone merge. Let the stranger pass with grace. In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast and tearing at the seams, choose the slower, kinder rhythm. The one the Dead always played beneath the chaos. Be the echo of a good note. Pass it on. 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!

Tell Us Your Story | Be Interviewed