“A little bit further, just a little bit more. A little bit further than we’ve gone before.” – Robert Hunter
Get on the bus as you, your intrepid teacher Jason McInnes, and your fellow Deadheads gather for this eight-week adult education music class dedicated to exploring and performing the music of the Grateful Dead.
Designed by considering the needs of beginning, intermediate and advanced musicians, this course offers a deep dive into the band’s rich catalog, from beloved classics like “Truckin’” and “Friend of the Devil” to deeper cuts and extended jams.
The class includes hands-on instruction, group rehearsals, and opportunities to jam in a relaxed, collaborative setting. Whether you’re a guitarist, bassist, vocalist, keyboardist, drummer, or other instrumentalist, you’ll gain new insight into the Dead’s music through playing it among a generous, encouraging community.
Grateful Deadhead Ensemble – Live at Canteen Brewhouse – Aug 10, 2025
This is just a quick taste of our gig. This is our full setlist.
Jam > Bertha
Friend of the Devil
Ripple
Mr. Charlie > Box of Rain
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have other questions and/or concerns. Jason would love to hear from you.
Feel free to contact him at 773-369-8268 (phone/text) or jason@knowingtrees.com
Grateful Deadhead Ensemble
- Next Session Begins – TBD
- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 – exact dates depend on the season
- Eight classes, plus one gig (nine meetings total)
- $350 (This works out to $20 an hour.)
- Really, all instruments?
- Heck yeah! All Instruments/singers welcome! We’ve had guitar, piano, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, kazoo, and even some jug and washtub bass players. We’ll welcome any of these, plus trumpets, clarinets, musical spoons . . .
- Here’s some thoughts for these particular instruments
- Guitar players – Acoustic guitars are recommended, but not required. We’ll figure out amplification needs as the class rolls along.
- Drummers – There won’t be a back line at our practice space. Hand percussion instruments are HIGHLY recommended.
- Keyboardists – Jason will be providing a keyboard for the band to use. Obviously, should we have more than one keyboard player, there could potentially be some challenges. But, nothing that I think will hold us back. Please contact Jason at 773-369-8268 (phone/text) or jason@knowingtrees.com if you plan on playing keyboards.
- What if I’m not good enough to play? What if I’m too good?
- This will be a multi-level class. Everyone will be asked to go to the edge of their abilities. Now, that edge will be very individual, as some folks are just beginnng and some folks have a lot of experience.
- Jason is confident that, no matter your experience level, you’ll walk out of class with a) something to work on, musically and b) a spring in your step from sharing music with such an positive community
- Do I have to know how to read music?
- Nope. It can be helpful in some ways. But, in other ways, it can be helpful to not know. As Phil Lesh always said, “Never play the same thing once.”
- What if I have to miss a class meeting or two?
- No problem from the band point of view. Jason does want to make sure that everyone gets their money’s worth, so he works with you to find some time outside of class to check in individually.