Deadhead Shakedown Street event coming Saturday to The Times Theater

Grateful Dead fans rejoice, as the Deadhead culture brings together fans, vendors and concert goers across the Midwest together for an event this weekend at The Times Theater in Rochester, when the Indianapolis-based and nationally touring Grateful Dead tribute band, Hyryders, brings the Deadhead community for the second time to Fulton County. 

The Deadhead subculture first became a thing in the 1960s, as a large number of fans for the band Grateful Dead began traveling across the country to see as many shows and Deadhead festivals as they could. Eventually a community developed from the gatherings. Shakedown Street is a part of that culture, named after a 1978 Grateful Dead song, and album, describing a unique vending area where Deadheads can gather, selling anything and everything outside concert venues. 

Since the death of Grateful Dead's lead guitarist and principal vocalist and songwriter, Jerry Garcia, Shakedown Street culture continues, with tribute bands bringing gatherings of art, vendors, food and more together to mingle outside of concert venues. 

Zoie Bella, owner of the business Brain Washed 70's, will be hosting Shakedown Street, a free event Saturday, July 13, located in the north lot beside The Times Theater. Along with the Brain Washed 70's bus, 15 other unique artists from across the Midwest, providing everything from art, tie dye, clothing alterations, fashion textiles, food vendors and more for all ages.

A beer garden will also be provided by Ruthless Bar & Patio for those 21 and older.

While Bella says this years Shakedown event has nearly tripled the size of last year's event. Vendors will open on Saturday at 2 p.m., with most of the action kicking off at 4 p.m. and lasting throughout the evening. Bella said as the evening winds down during the Shakedown Street event, an open mic for local musicians will also be going on for entertainment and to help bring the vibes. 

Hyryder's will begin playing inside of The Times Theater at 8 p.m., with tickets being $20 for advance general admission, or $25 on the day of the event.