Branford Marsalis to Join Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Previously, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead dropped a pair of Centennial State concert appearances, set for Friday, May 31, at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, Colo., and an evening at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., on Saturday, June 1. As a follow-up, the Grateful Dead cover band added a special guest to their latter date, jazz great Branford Marsalis

The saxophonist is no stranger to the Dead’s archive, having recently joined Joe Russo’s Almost Dead during their Newport Jazz Festival appearance, where he filled in for Kamasi Washington, who was supposed to participate in the summertime bill but dropped out days before the intended appearance.  

Even before this summer’s team-up, Marsalis’ history extended even deeper with the Grateful Dead and their repertoire, having shared special moments performing alongside the San Francisco jamband throughout the ‘90s. Collaborative times between the two were captured on live releases, including Without A Net, Spring 1990, Infrared Roses, and Wake Up to Find Out. 

In the years that followed Garcia’s 1995 passing, Marsalis continued to work with members of the original ensemble, taking part in events such as The Dead’s April 28 and 29, 2009 shows at IZOD Center in East Rutherford, N.J., and during Dead & Company’s 2018 set at LOCKN’. 

Tickets for Joe Russ’s Almost Dead’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre stand, featuring special guest Branford Marsalis, remain on sale.