Playing Dead live in Boston

Experience Playing Dead live on August 2nd

Playing Dead is a band specializing in interpretations of the music of the Grateful Dead, focusing on recreating the improvisational and exploratory nature of the original band’s live performances. They aim to capture the spirit of the Grateful Dead’s extensive songbook rather than offering strict note-for-note reproductions.

The August 2nd, 2026 performance will take place aboard the *Music City Queen*, a paddlewheel riverboat operated by Mass Bay Lines. The vessel is a 19th-century style sternwheeler built in 1989 and typically used for sightseeing cruises around Boston Harbor and the Charles River. It features both indoor and outdoor deck space, with a capacity of approximately 300 passengers. The *Music City Queen* has hosted numerous musical acts over the years, becoming a recognized venue for live music events within the Boston area. It's designed to evoke a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of classic riverboat entertainment. The boat is US Coast Guard inspected and certified for passenger carriage. Mass Bay Lines operates year-round from various locations around Boston Harbor, with the *Music City Queen* being one of their primary vessels for special events and chartered cruises.