Alpenphunk26: A Celebration of the Jerry Garcia Band & The Grateful Dead

Alpenphunk is an annual celebration of music, mountains, and skiing, set in the heart of Crested Butte, Colorado, taking place the last weekend of January. Since its inception in 2022, Alpenphunk has grown into Colorado’s premier micro-festival, providing an unparalleled experience that blends world-class live music with the area’s rich mountain culture. Each year, the festival proudly features an “artist in residence”, an influential musician who curates the weekend and leads one-of-a-kind collaborations with other renowned artists.

From the electrifying sounds of funk, reggae, and afro-beat to genre-blurring performances that defy expectations, Alpenphunk showcases musicians from across the globe. The intimate, small-scale nature of the event allows festival-goers to enjoy performances up close, with unexpected musical moments that happen only at Alpenphunk.

Centered at the iconic Crested Butte Public House and partnered with the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Alpenphunk offers much more than just a festival—it’s a fully immersive, communal experience. Attendees can explore Crested Butte’s legendary ski slopes during the day and dive into incredible live music each night, all while being part of a vibrant community of music lovers and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time visitor, Alpenphunk promises a weekend filled with exhilarating skiing, soulful music, and unforgettable moments.

Join us for an incredible journey of sound, slopes, and once-in-a-lifetime performances at the unique crossroads of music and mountain adventure.

A powerhouse ensemble of genre-defying musicians comes together to honor the timeless legacy of Jerry Garcia Band and the Grateful Dead—two of the most influential forces in American music history. This special celebration brings fresh life to the soulful grooves, improvisational spirit, and communal joy that defined Garcia’s music, from the deeply spiritual ballads of the JGB era to the exploratory psychedelia and raw energy of the Dead.

At the heart of the lineup is Eric Krasno, the Grammy-winning guitarist and producer known for his work with Soulive and Lettuce, whose love for groove and improvisation makes him a natural torchbearer of Garcia’s spirit. Joining him is Grahame Lesh, a vital part of the Terrapin Family Band and son of founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, bringing authentic lineage and deep musicality to the stage. Ross James, a regular collaborator with Lesh and a standout voice in the modern roots-rock scene, adds his signature guitar fire and vocal swagger.

The show’s emotional core is amplified by the vocal powerhouses Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band) and Nicki Bluhm, two of the most dynamic and expressive singers of their generation. On keys is Eric Finland, whose vintage tones and soulful touch evoke the deep gospel and R&B influences of the original JGB sound. Anchoring it all is Stanton Moore, the legendary drummer from Galactic, whose New Orleans-infused rhythm keeps the music grounded in feel-good groove and fluid improvisation.

More than a tribute, A Celebration of Jerry Garcia Band & The Grateful Dead is a living, breathing experience—channeling the heart and soul of a beloved catalog through the unique chemistry of this world-class ensemble. Each performance is a journey, with room for spontaneity, joy, reflection, and plenty of dancing in between.