🌹 We Will Get By, We Will Survive


🎶 “The shoe is on the hand it fits, there's really nothing much to it.”

~ Touch of Grey, first performed live by the Grateful Dead in 1982 and became their only top 10 hit single. Written by Jerry Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter, the song is a resilient anthem about enduring life’s ups and downs with a touch of optimism. The song was the opener at Soldier Field, Chicago July 9, 1995 - The Grateful Dead's last show with Jerry Garcia.

🌀 The Wheel Keeps Turning: 6 Stops on a 60-Year Trip

One decade-defining moment from each era of the Grateful Dead’s long, strange journey. From the Acid Tests to stadium singalongs, the Dead have reinvented themselves again and again over six decades. As we gather to celebrate the 60th anniversary at Golden Gate Park, we take a look back at one defining moment from each decade that shaped the music, the movement, and the magic.

🌹 The music never stopped—see how the story unfolds decade by decade...

🚐 Headed to San Francisco: Grateful Dead 60th Anniversary

The bus is rolling toward San Francisco… As the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary fills Golden Gate Park with song, we’re setting out on our own little pilgrimage through the city. We’ve mapped out a walking tour of sacred Deadhead landmarks, with handpicked songs to guide each step. We will also have our cool post cards to share along the walking tour so come find us!

Here is one of the limited edition postcards we made for the occasion—free to download and share. And if the rhythm feels right, maybe we’ll cross paths at one of the stops. ✨

🎨 Art Spotlight: Touch Of Grey - Standing On The Moon

Beneath a moonlit sky, where dreams and echoes collide, artist Todd Slater paints Jerry Garcia’s spirit in gold and flame. This rare print hums with the heartbeat of “Touch of Grey,” a visual hymn to survival’s grace and the endless dance of light and shadow. Signed, shimmering, a beacon for the wandering soul.

[See more from the artist - Todd Slater ->

🎵 - Weekend Playlist

Our playlist for this issue flows through the decades, echoing the wild, wonderful arc of the Dead’s story: from acid-drenched garage jams to soulful ballads, from reinvention to reunion. It’s a soundtrack of shifting eras, changing lineups, and the constant pulse of something that never really ended—just kept rolling forward. Hit play, and take the trip.

🌊 Ripple Moment: Acts of Love ~ Celebrating Kindness

Whether you're dancing in the crowd or tuning in from home, love lives in all of us.

🎶 In honor of 60 years of the Grateful Dead, we invite you to start a ripple of kindness-right where you are

🌀 Pass it on: After your act of love, invite one person to do the same. Tell them it’s for the ripple. For the love. For 60 years of community. NFA 🌹🌻

💕Want some China Cat Swag? Click on the postcard to go to our downloads. 💫

Can't wait to see everyone in San Francisco!

More soon. Stay kind...

Todd & Michelle

China Cat Chat

💌 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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China Cat Chat

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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Subscribe to the Newsletter 🎶 “Going where the wind don’t blow so strange.” ~ “He's Gone", first performed live April 17, 1972 at the Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen, Denmark. Written by Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter. 🌹 WANDER Across the Water: The Dead in Europe ’72 There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you step into a new country with no expectations — just open pockets and open ears. The Grateful Dead felt it too. When they crossed the Atlantic in the spring of ’72, they found...

Subscribe to the Newsletter 🎶 "Some folks trust to reason, others trust to might..." ~ “Playing in the Band", first played live February 18, 1971 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester New York. Words by Robert Hunter, music by Bob Weir and Mickey Hart. Donna Jean Godchaux made her Grateful Dead debut singing harmonies on “Playing in the Band” — a song that became her calling card and a touchstone of the band’s evolving sound. As the music world says farewell to her this week, it feels right...

Subscribe to the Newsletter 🎶 "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...