THE LATEST
Legendary Grateful Dead Drummer to Host “Fleur De Dead,” an unforgettable night of music in New Orleans, featuring Billy & the Kids
Taking place on the eve of this year’s Jazzfest, Fleur De Dead will serve as a kickoff to the festivities and will feature two sets from Billy & the Kids, the all-star group formed by the Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann in 2014. The band’s lineup includes members of Trey Anastasio Band, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Disco Biscuits and Electric Beethoven.
Drawing from the Grateful Dead’s vast songbook, along with thematic classics, surprises and special guests, the night will feature lots of the improvisational jamming and dance grooves that the band is known for. “We’ll honor these songs with the energy and electricity that nights in New Orleans demand,” says Kreutzmann.
This will be the first Billy & the Kids live performance since their universally acclaimed “Dead on the Rocks” shows at Red Rocks in 2021, which featured guest Billy Strings joining the band for both nights, along with appearances by Jeff Franca (Thievery Corp.), Jason Hann (String Cheese Incident), and Paul Hoffman (Greensky Bluegrass).
After an extended, years-long hiatus, Billy & the Kids returned to action just two months prior to those shows with “Grateful Mahalo,” an award-winning, audience-less livestream series that the band presented as a spiritual panacea for the ongoing pandemic. Billy Strings performed with the group for all three shows and Carlos Santana joined in for the final performance, in celebration of Kreutzmann’s 75th birthday.
While special guests for Fleur de Dead are unannounced currently, given the atmosphere of the city during this time of year, there will be no shortage of surprises.
The Saenger Theatre is one of New Orleans’ most iconic venues, known for its stunning Art Deco design and excellent acoustics. The theater has hosted many legendary musicians over the years, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, for unforgettable nights of music. On April 27th, the Saenger will add one more night to that list.
Note that this will be a special engagement for Billy & the Kids, as the ensemble has no current plans to tour in the immediate future. Led by Bill Kreutzmann on drums, Billy & the Kids includes Aron Magner, James Casey, Reed Mathis and Tom Hamilton.
ON SALE NOW!
ADDITONAL DETAILS:
“Fleur De Dead”
Hosted by Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann
Featuring Billy & the Kids
Joined by Molly Tuttle
Show Date: Thursday, April 27, 2023
Doors: 6:30 PM
Venue: Saenger Theatre - New Orleans, LA
All Ages
