What began as a way for some friends in the Maine music community to get together and play music during the Covid pandemic, eventually grew into one of Maine’s favorite good-time Grateful Dead tribute bands. Made up of four of Maine’s own seasoned and talented musicians who hail from different parts of the state: Rodney Sturdee on guitar and vocals, James Taylor on bass and vocals, Ryan Benoit on drums, and Justin Maxwell on keyboards and vocals, Down East Dead attributes their sound to the Brent Mydland years of the Dead with whole-hearted energy, love, and enthusiasm. But it doesn’t stop there. DED ventures into all spectrums of the Dead’s catalogue and beyond. Every show brings authentic Americana vibes that feel like the closest thing to being on tour.