Ripplewood at The Rotunda: A Night to Remember

Friday, July 18th at The Rotunda was one of those nights where everything came together; the music, the visuals, the community, and the spirit of the Grateful Dead.

We’re still feeling the afterglow from our performance of Anthem of the Sun and the Grateful Dead’s legendary June 14th, 1968 Fillmore East late show. The night wasn’t just about us. It was a full-spectrum experience, and we want to give proper credit where it’s due.

The evening opened with a deeply moving solo set by Steve Taylor of The Fugs. His performance set the tone perfectly; raw, honest, and connected to the same countercultural roots that the Grateful Dead sprang from. Steve’s songs reminded us why this music still matters, and why gatherings like this are vital.

The staging was nothing short of spectacular. Andrew Levin of Stage Trip Productions and John Pellegrino of Move Me Brightly Lightshow transformed The Rotunda into a fully immersive environment. The lights, visuals, and projections weren’t just background, they were fully part of the performance, swirling and shifting in perfect time with the music, enhancing the psychedelic journey for everyone in the room. It was a true 1960s-style light show brought into present time, and we’re beyond grateful for their artistry.

While Ripplewood is still a new name on the scene July 18th proved that the Philly Deadhead community is ready to embrace us. From the first downbeat to the final cymbal crash (we closed the evening with an extended "Drums"), the room was alive with dancing, singing, and smiling faces. We felt the love and we gave it right back.

We’re excited to keep this momentum going. Stay tuned for more shows. We have some announcements coming soon. If you were at The Rotunda, thank you for helping make the night unforgettable. Let’s do it again soon!

With love and gratitude,

Ripplewood