This post is sponsored by The Folk Project
Morristown Green readers receive a 25% discount on tickets
purchased here with the coupon code MGREEN.
By Olga Alvarez
Get ready for an unforgettable night as the Troubadour Concert Series brings masterful musicians to play Grateful Dead Jerry Garcia’s repertoire, shining a spotlight on his deep love for bluegrass, this Friday, July 3, 2026.
Star mandolinist C. Lanzbom and Grammy winner Matt Turk founded Deadgrass, a dynamic “jamgrass” ensemble devoted to Garcia’s legacy. Joined by Dave Richards on bass, Kris Bauman on banjo, and Kensuke Shoji on fiddle, they breathe new life into songs that defined a generation.
Morristown Green readers get a 25% discount on tickets with code MGREEN. Enter MGREEN on the Billing Details screen, click Apply, then enter your payment to see the discount. Purchase tickets here.
“The Grateful Dead put out a lot of great music, but because their music is long and improvisational, it’s not accessible to a lot of people,” said Mark Schaffer, The Troubadour’s program director.
“Deadgrass actually takes these wonderful songs, huge contributors to the body of American music and rock and roll, and puts them in a bluegrass format. So, in that way, it’s very entertaining, and it’s a format that a lot of people understand.”
Garcia bands Old & in the Way, JGB, and Jerry’s Jug Band played on the instruments that first inspired him. On July 3, Deadgrass will infuse these timeless tunes with their own vibrant style.
Video: Deadgrass live at the Bearsville Theater:
Deadgrass isn’t just a bunch of empty-nester guys who got together in a garage to create a tribute band; it’s a group of professional musicians with long lists of accomplishments.
“Bluegrass is also a style of music that demands high levels of mastery, so that a group like Deadgrass is applying the mastery of their instruments to songs that are essentially a solemn component of the body of rock and roll music,” Mark added.
Mandolinist Matt Turk has performed and recorded with Pete Seeger and opened for Judy Collins, The Doobie Brothers, Fiona Apple, and Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart. He has appeared at major festivals and venues and recorded with Gaby Moreno and Matter Music for Warner Bros. Records.
Grammy winner C. Lanzbom is a touring and studio guitarist with producing, performing, writing, and engineering credits with Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Crystal Bowersox, Shlomo Carlebach, and Soulfarm. His studio, Sherwood Ridge, is a state-of-the-art recording facility just north of New York City. He has numerous television and film song placements.
Bassist Dave Richards performs in Hamilton on Broadway and has recorded and performed with The Indigo Girls, Rosanne Cash, Buster Poindexter, Madeline Peyroux, Jewel, and Richie Havens. He has toured throughout Europe, Canada, and the USA, appearing at Ottawa Jazz, Toronto Blues Festival, the Hollywood Bowl, and Austin City Limits.
Banjoist Kris Bauman began his professional career at 16. The multi-instrumentalist plays many musical genres: Country/Bluegrass with his group “The Dang-it Bobbys,” as well as Jazz, Rock/Pop, and R&B/Soul. Credits include work with Bobby Short, saxophonists Seamus Blake and Loren Schoenberg, composer/arranger Jason Lindner, and guitarists Kurt Rosenwinkel and Luca Benedetti. Baumann was featured with bassist Alexis Cuadrado on NPR’s Studio 360.
Born in Japan, violinist Kensuke Shoji joined his father’s bluegrass band as a teenager. He quickly moved to the U.S.A. to study jazz violin with Berklee String Department chair Matt Glaser and violinist Christian Howes. He moved to New York City in 2013 to play with Alex Hargreaves, Barry Harris, Jacob Jolliff, Maria Muldaur, and many others.
Catch Deadgrass live this Friday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m., perfectly timed for America’s 250th celebration. Tickets are $20, and kids under 12 enjoy free admission.
Remember, Morristown Green readers can save 25% on tickets when purchasing here.
The Troubadour is located at the Morristown Universalist Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morris Township. Parking is free. The Folk Project sponsors the Troubadour Concert Series.
Can’t make it in person? Experience the July 3 concert from home with a livestream for only $10.
On Friday, July 10, step into the spotlight at Open Stage, an open-mic night welcoming both seasoned performers and first-timers. Every participant receives a complimentary video of their set, so don’t miss your chance to shine! The fun begins at 7:30 p.m., with $7 admission at the door.
Friday, July 17, brings a double treat: Miles & Mafale and Karen Oliver will enchant you with heartfelt storytelling and stunning vocals. Tickets are $20 for the live show or $10 to watch online.
Join the Folk Project’s 51st birthday celebration on Friday, July 24! Members are invited to a festive 4th of July barbecue where they can sign up to perform and be paired with fellow members for the birthday show. Membership is $25 per year, with discounted concert tickets at $15 each.
For more information about the Troubadour Concert Series, Folk Project events, or to pre-order tickets online, visit our website.
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