‘An Evening with Grateful Shred’ brings obscure Dead songs to Aspen

Popular tribute band to Grateful Dead, known as Grateful Shred, is headed to Aspen for their nearly sold-out show at 8 p.m. Oct. 16, at Belly Up Aspen, located at 450 S. Galena St. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Founded in 2016 by Austin McCutchen and Dan Horne, the Los Angeles band’s presence grew rapidly after an impromptu parking lot jam session at the Hollywood Bowl that drew listeners and then online fans.

“We had been jamming in the backyard a lot, and that show was happening down the road at the bowl,” McCutchen said. “Someone was just like, ‘Hey, let’s go jam in the lot and have some fun.'”

After McCutchen bought a small generator at Home Depot, the band grabbed their gear, and went and set up.

“We didn’t know how it was going to work out. The parking lot attendant set us up magically next to this little grass lawn,” McCutchen said. 

Soon, a crowd formed. 

“It just happened,” McCutchen said, “it was really serendipitous.”

The buzz led to features on a well-known online music magazine founded by their pal, Justin Gage Aquarium Drunkard, and an invitation from the Jerry Garcia estate to play at a birthday celebration.

What sets Grateful Shred apart is their organic flow and musical chemistry.

“We try to mix it up,” McCutchen explains about their setlists. “A lot of what die-hard fans want is to be surprised.” 

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This philosophy serves both longtime Deadheads and newcomers discovering the vast Grateful Dead songbook.

Last winter, the band recorded their debut album at bassist Horne’s Los Angeles studio. 

True to the Grateful Dead’s tradition of never playing the same setlist twice, the band identified deeper cuts that the Dead performed live, but never recorded in studio, and decided to use that to create their debut album.

Released in June 2025 on Liberty Farm Records, “Might As Well” features eight relatively obscure songs that capture the spontaneous spirit the Grateful Dead was known for.

“We thought it would be a unique spin to take a crack at songs we felt we could do justice to,” McCutchen said.

The band’s “Fall East Tour” kicked off Oct. 10 in Ventura, California, with a unique lineup. Corey Rose and Chris English are joining the tour for the first time, forming what McCutchen refers to as “an unprecedented rhythm section.” The two drummers both contribute vocals and expand the band’s harmonies.

Guitarist John Lee Shannon and vocalist Mikaela Davis, who both joined around 2023, have become integral parts of the band’s evolution.

“Mikaela brings great energy, talent, and sound to the band,” McCutchen said. “She’s got a great voice and is great to sing harmonies with.”

Everyone in the current lineup sings. Lead McCutchen also plays guitar, along with Shannon playing guitar, Horne on bass and pedal steel, Adam MacDougall on keyboards, and Rose and English both on drums, while Davis focuses on vocals.

The Colorado leg includes three shows starting in Denver before hitting Aspen, where the band has played a few times before. They’ll then head to Fort Collins. 

“I can’t wait to see them again,” McCutchen said about the Aspen audience. “That’s gonna be a super fun show. Get up to elevation, get the oxygen flowing, and we’re just going to have fun with it.”

With only a small number of tickets remaining, fans should act quickly to catch this unique take on Grateful Dead music.

Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For tickets, go to bellyupaspen.com/events/an-evening-with-grateful-shred/.