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The Deadly String Band is Michigan’s premier acoustic-electric old time Grateful Dead tribute band; playing Grateful Dead and Dead-adjacent Americana in the style of an old time acoustic string band. 

From East Lansing, Michigan, The Deadly String Band strives to cover the whole of the Grateful Dead’s song catalog, as well as their influences, including tunes from the old time blues, folk and bluegrass songbook. The Deadly String Band creates a wholesome musical good time that’s fun for the whole family.

The Deadly String Band at Jennison 55: A Grateful Dead Celebration

 

Jennison 55 - The Deadly String Band - Michigan's Premier Acoustic Dead Cover Bandhe Deadly String Band opens the show at 5pm

SUNDAY MARCH 15
DOORS @ 4
MUSIC @ 5
THE AVENUE CAFE

On March 13, 1971, Grateful Dead played at Jenison Field House on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. New Riders of the Purple Sage (with Jerry Garcia on steel guitar) opened the show. No recording of this show has ever surfaced! To commemorate the 55th anniversary of this legendary and mysterious event, three Lansing-area Grateful Dead cover bands will be performing at The Avenue Cafe:

  • Deadly String Band
  • Dead Honey Collective
  • Quality Jerry

Poster by Dennis Preston!

The Deadly String Band Honor Bobby Weir at Peanut Barrel – RIP Bobby

Beautiful ‘Bobby’ Memorial Collage that our singer/guitarist, Mike created for our January Peanut Barrel show. #WeirEverywhere, #DoItForBobby

The Deadly String Band – Live at Grateful Bear Campout 2026

Very excited to announce our inclusion in the The Grateful Bear Campout Music Festival 2026, an annual Michigan-based festival hosted by Soul’d Out Events. More info here.

Grateful Bear Campout 2026

The Deadly String Band – Live at the Peanut Barrel – East Lansing – 9/9/2025

The Deadly String Band Playing Ripple at Stober’s Bar in Lansing, July 12, 2025

Honoring Jerry Garcia on the 30th Anniversary of the Last Grateful Dead Show

On this day, 30 years ago in 1995, “Papa Bear” Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead played their last live performance at Chicago’s Soldier Field. He would pass away one month later. #Rip “Papa Bear” you’ve been a lasting inspiration for so many!

We will honor you and your vast and lasting musical legacy when The Deadly String Band performs this weekend. Much love, fellow traveler!

The Deadly String Band Live at 517 Day/Best of Lansing

We’ll be performing in front of Capital Hippie on Saturday, May 17th at 6:30pm as part of 517 Day/Best of Lansing Day street festival.

Get ready for a fantastic evening with The Deadly String Band, a Grateful Dead tribute band, playing live on Saturday, May 17, in front of Capital Hippie! Bring your own chair, chill out, and jam with us! Whether you want to dance or practice your flow art, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the day. Let us know you’ll be there.

Saturday, May 17th – Capital Hippie – 6:30pm – Lansing, Michigan
121 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933