Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if Phish or Umphrey’s McGee played a New Years Eve show with the Grateful Dead? This year on December 31st, Cubensis, 27 year veteran Grateful Dead tribute, will join forces with prog-jam band, Quactus, to give you a pretty close representation to what that pairing might have sounded like. Mixing old school with new school at the Golden Sails Crystal Ballroom in Long Beach, CA.
Cubensis has been delivering their version of Grateful Dead music to the Western half of the United States for the better part of 27 years. Born out of necessity to fill the void when the real deal wasn’t around, Craig Marshall (“Jerry” and founder) and company have taken the roots laid down by Garcia and the Grateful Dead and masterfully woven it with their own style to deliver a Grateful Dead experience many have expressed is “the next best thing to the original.”
What’s a Quactus? It’s part duck, part cactus and all band. Born of the mind of Seth Gordon (vocals/guitar), Gabriel Isaac (lead guitar) and Matthew McDuffee (drums), Quactus has spent the last 9 years delivering their prog-rock inspired music to the Southwestern US. Described by fans as part Phish and part Umphrey’s McGee, Quactus is more than that. They’re a great band with songs that span the gamut of genres woven with intricate guitar leads and a sound all of their own. Greg Zachan (bass/vocals), Michael Russeck (keyboard) and Keith Erickson (percussion) round out the line-up.
Details on NYE in Long Beach:
Where: Golden Sails Resort Hotel, Crystal Ballroom
Address: 6285 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: 562-596-1631 or 800-762-5333
