Skull & Roses will return to coastal Ventura, CA on April 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2024 with a lineup topped by Dark Star Orchestra, Sage & Spirits, and Melvin Seals & JGB.
The sixth edition of the Grateful Dead-centric festival will once again take place at the hallowed Ventura County Fairgrounds, the site of 11 Dead shows from 1982–1987. Also set to appear at the music and camping event are Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Jerry’s Middle Finger, Garcia Grisman Revisited, Cubensis, guitarist Joe Marcinek‘s Dead Funk Summit, former Melvin Seals & JGB guitarist Zach Nugent‘s Dead Set, Electric Waste Band, Hyryder, Marcus Rezak Band, all-female Dead tribute Brown Eyed Women, Grateful Dead Hour host David Gans playing a set of originals and covers, and many more, with additional artists to be announced.
For its headlining set, Dark Star Orchestra will recreate a yet-unspecified Grateful Dead show in its entirety. DSO members Rob Eaton, Rob Barraco, and Skip Vangelas will also stick around for a rare performance from their all-star band Sage & Spirits, which also features Dead & Company drummer Jay Lane, founding Dark Star guitarist John Kadlecik, JGB keyboardist Melvin Seals, and drummer Jake Wolf (Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue). Melvin Seals & JGB will also keep up their streak of perfect attendance with their sixth consecutive appearance at Skull & Roses.
Skull & Roses attendees will enjoy a multi-stage setup which ensures that the music will never stop. Those staying overnight will have a variety of options including beachside or grassy camping with options for RV or car camping. New in 2024, Skull & Roses will not sell official vendor passes and will instead revert Shakedown Street to the “old school, lot style,” allowing vendors to set up shop at their campsites. Those who arrive on Thursday will also enjoy a bonus kick-off evening of music free for all campers and weekend pass holders.
With Thursday’s announcement, organizers have also put a limited amount of Early Bird tickets on sale. Visit the Skull & Roses website for tickets and more information, including details on RV camping and hotels. See below for the 2024 lineup.
