$18 advanced, $22 day of show
General Admission (Standing) - Doors open at 8PM
* Music from 9PM through Midnight 2026! *
A Grateful Dead Themed Historical First Nights Celebration Spectacular
The Drake will host local psychedelic rockers Mind Left Body and their mind-bending, live lighting and visualization partner Morph Lighting Collective as part of a special first night event in the heart of downtown Amherst celebrating the best of famous Grateful Dead New Years shows through the years. This one-night-only special event will honor historical NYE Grateful Dead shows through the 70s and 80s, including the legendary Closing of Winterland show in 1978. The event takes place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 9pm (doors at 8pm) at The Drake at 44 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA.
The Grateful Dead made New Year's Eve one of their most iconic traditions, especially during their prime years in the 1970s. In honor of their famous NYE shows—often marathon-length performances—this event will feature surprises, special guests, theatrics, and a celebratory atmosphere to match the often wild improvisational nature of their music.
The 1978 Closing of Winterland Show was especially legendary with Phil Lesh (bassist in the Grateful Dead) describing the evening - “The music that night felt like it was being beamed in from another universe.” Mind Left Body’s goal is to channel this energy and want you to be part of making music history come alive. This evening will also feature the immersive lighting by The Morph Lighting Collective, transforming the concert into a multi-sensory experience.
Whether you're a lifelong Deadhead, adventurous, curious, or even just discovering the magic for the first time, this event will promise to offer a timeless celebration of music, community, and the turning of the wheel!