San Jose Rocks: Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead's Debut Performance
San Jose, CA is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's first performance under that name. The city will unveil a commemorative bronze plaque at San Jose City Hall on December 4, 2025, marking the spot where the band played their first notes in 1965. The free public celebration will feature psychedelic light projections on City Hall's rotunda and an exhibit of rare Grateful Dead memorabilia and artifacts from the Acid Test event organized by Ken Kesey.
Mayor Matt Mahan expressed excitement about celebrating San Jose's musical heritage and the band's cultural impact. The event is organized and funded by San Jose Rocks, a non-profit dedicated to celebrating the city's musical legacy and promoting music education for young people. The organization successfully located the site of the Grateful Dead's debut event after years of research, highlighting San Jose's pivotal role in music history.
As part of the celebration, legendary artist Stanley Mouse created an exclusive print commemorating the band's debut performance. The event schedule includes performances by San Jose State University's Spartan Jam Band, a drum procession to the Sonic Runway, and a psychedelic light show projected onto City Hall's rotunda. The reception will feature rare Grateful Dead posters and the only known poster from the 1965 Acid Test event.
San Jose Rocks aims to establish San Jose as a recognized music destination by highlighting its contributions to music history. The organization encourages community support to make the December 4th plaque dedication special and invites individuals to share their own rock and roll stories. For more information about the celebration and to support San Jose Rocks, visit their website.