Just days before he was set to headline Sunday Daydream Vol. 4 in San Rafael, CA, Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh has announced he will miss the event due to a COVID diagnosis.

Lesh shared a message to fans expressing his disappointment and announcing that Sam Grisman will fill in during the planned Phil Lesh & Friends set with Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith (Dawes), Stu Allen, Holly Bowling, Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), and Grahame Lesh. Phil said he will sending his beloved bass, Big Brown, to the festival for him to play.

Read the full statement from Phil below. Tickets for Sunday Daydream are available here.

Dear Terrapin Nation,

Well, it wouldn’t be Terrapin if there wasn’t a curveball! I’m bummed to let you know that I won’t be able to perform this weekend at ‘Sunday Daydream Vol. 4’. I’ve come down with Covid, and while I’m doing great and resting at home, I’ll miss seeing all your beautiful faces.

Of course, the Music Never Stops! I’ll be at the festival in spirit, and I’m happy that Terrapin Nation will be coming together again to see the incredible lineup that we put together for you. My “Friends” – Taylor Goldsmith & Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes, Stu Allen, Holly Bowling, Grahame Lesh, & Natalie Cressman – will perform an epic headlining set in my absence, joined by the fantastic Sam Grisman filling in on bass. If you aren’t familiar with Sam, he’s an incredible bass player who I’m proud to have fill my shoes. In fact I’ll be sending down my beloved bass, Big Brown, for him to play.

The rest of the day’s schedule will continue as planned. Wolf Jett ft. Alex Jordan will kick off the music on the main stage, with the Sam Grisman Project following them with a special set of music honoring the legacy of Garcia & Grisman & beyond. In between, Jon Chi will be hosting the “Keep it Weird” Terrapin bar stage with music all day ft. special guests like Elliott Peck & more.

Finally, I’ve been in touch with some amazing musical friends (I can’t quite say who yet!) and we’re hoping to have some killer guests join the bill to make the day even more special. All of the musicians and organizers have worked really hard to bring you a fantastic day of music, sunshine, and Terrapin community!

You can always reach us at info@terrapincrossroads.net if you have any questions. Be good to each other, and I’ll see you out there next time.

Rock on,
Phil