SKULL & ROSES Details 2024 Lineup: Dark Star Orchestra, Sage & Spirits, Melvin Seals & JGB and More

SKULL & ROSES shared the details for its return to the coastal town of Ventura, Calif., on April 19-21, 2024, marking its sixth edition. The Grateful Dead-centric festival will boast an impressive lineup at the historic Ventura County Fairgrounds–a venue steeped in Dead history: the Dead played 11 shows there between 1982 and 1987–featuring headliners Dark Star Orchestra, Sage & Spirits, and Melvin Seals & JGB.

Along with the headliners, the musical and camping festival will showcase a diverse array of talent, including Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, Garcia Grisman Revisited, Joe Marcinek’s Dead Funk Summit, Jerry’s Middle Finger, Cubensis, Zach Nugent’s Dead Set, Electric Waste Band, Hyryder, Marcuz Rezak Band, the all-female Dead tribute Brown Eyed Women, and the Grateful Dead Hour host David Gans, presenting a set of originals and covers. Additional artists are yet to be revealed.

Dark Star Orchestra, in their headlining set, will recreate a complete Grateful Dead show, and members Rob Eaton, Rob Barraco, and Skip Vangelas will treat the audience to a rare performance with their band Sage & Spirits. This ensemble also features Dead & Company drummer Jay Lane, founding Dark Star guitarist John Kadlecik, JGB keyboardist Melvin Seals, and drummer Jake Wolf. Notably, Melvin Seals & JGB will continue their impressive streak with their sixth consecutive appearance at the festival.

In a new development for 2024, SKULL & ROSES will embrace the spirit of the past by foregoing official vendor passes and returning Shakedown Street to an “old school, lot style,” allowing vendors to set up shop at their campsites. Those arriving on Thursday will be treated to a bonus kick-off evening of music, free for all campers and weekend pass holders.

Learn more and find tickets to SKULL & ROSES here.