LOS ANGELES – The dancing bears were a clear indication right from the start.

As guests entered the Los Angeles Convention Center, greeted by colorful dancing bears, it was obvious this MusiCares gala had its own unique flair. Perhaps it was also the grilled cheese sandwiches served on vibrant, rainbow-colored bread that gave it away.

If you’re in the know, you know.

The 2,500 attendees gathered for the annual benefit concert on Friday certainly had a deep appreciation for the Grateful Dead, the iconic jam band from San Francisco, honored as this year’s MusiCares Persons of the Year for 2025.

This event during Grammy week aims to raise money for musicians in need, and this year, they also extended support to those in the music industry impacted by the devastating wildfires in LA. “It’s a beacon of hope,” said Dead’s singer/guitarist Bob Weir on stage.

About halfway through the nearly three-and-a-half-hour performance, which featured John Mayer, Maren Morris, Wynonna, Sammy Hagar, Bruce Hornsby, Noah Kahan, and more, organizers revealed that the fundraising total exceeded $5.2 million.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding many, the night remained joyous and vibrant.

Though only Weir and drummer Mickey Hart represented The Grateful Dead (with drummer Bill Kreutzmann appearing via video, bassist Phil Lesh having passed away last October, and co-founder Jerry Garcia having died in 1995), their passion for music and their trailblazing spirit shone through.

The enthusiastic host Andy Cohen, a well-known Deadhead, mentioned how the band had “transformed norms” and contributed “joy and positivity” to his life. Woody Harrelson, a longtime friend of the band, called them “the most iconic band in history … and innovators of some of the greatest music ever created.” In December, the band also received a Kennedy Center Honor.

Harrelson, wearing a paisley tie and a hat that read “Grateful Mahalo,” amusingly recounted the time he smoked a joint with Garcia at Al Gore’s residence and got “the boot” during his entertaining speech.

Hart succinctly captured the essence of the evening: “Music is power. Music is medicine. Music is survival. Music has always been humanity’s greatest healer.”

Below are five standout moments from the concert.

The War and Treaty with Mick Fleetwood and Stewart Copeland

The dynamic duo Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty displayed their incredible vocal prowess with a passionate rendition of the Dead’s 1977 track “Samson and Delilah.” As they exchanged lyrics intensely, Fleetwood and Copeland collaborated on the drums. They kept watch on each other’s beats and engaged in a lively stylistic duel mid-song—Copeland’s jazzy flair complemented by Fleetwood’s primal beats—creating a joyful sound together.

Zac Brown and Marcus King

Zac Brown, performing on a custom acoustic guitar, reminded the audience of the Grateful Dead’s subtle influence on the Zac Brown Band. The country musician and blues guitarist delivered a performance of “Bertha” against a backdrop featuring a skeleton crowned with roses—a nod to the artistic style of the band. King highlighted the bluesy aspects of the song and delivered a skillful solo, while Brown seemed to enjoy playing the classic from the band’s 1971 live album.

Wynonna Judd

Starting her performance with a heartfelt message to Weir—“I love you, Robert Weir. You are my family of choice. You showed up when my mom died and sang at her funeral,” she expressed—Judd showcased her strong connection with the guitarist. Dressed in a glamorous black sequence and velvet outfit, she commanded the stage as she powerfully sang “Ramble on Rose,” a track that perfectly suited her rich, emotive voice.

Maren Morris

Morris chose to highlight the softer side of the Dead with “They Love Each Other,” moving gracefully to the music and creating a relaxed atmosphere. Dressed in a black outfit with a sheer cape, she clearly connected with the song, emphasizing her tendency to break free from the typical country music mold.

Sammy Hagar

Hagar brought his energetic rock style to the stage, which might seem unexpected for a Grateful Dead song. With a wide smile, he enthusiastically performed “Loose Lucy,” wielding an electric guitar to unleash a fierce solo and adding rock yelps at the end of the song. “Love you, brother,” Hagar directed toward Weir and Hart, his genuine affection evident.