This year’s Lockn’ Festival saw the expansion of Garcia’s Forest, the central hub of the late night party in Arrington, VA soundtracked by the music of Garcia himself. To remember those four nights spent dancing on the farm, the festival has launched a new Garcia’s Forest playlist, with 25 songs slated to be added each month. 

The first 25 arrive now, selected by Brian Lynch, the Head Usher at The Capitol Theatre, who spent around four months digging through the Garcia archives to find the best versions for the playlist. “I studied DeadBase and online forums like Headylist for the best versions of all the Grateful Dead and Jerry songs for four months,” Lynch says. “The greatest find was the ‘China > Rider’ from Roscoe Maples Pavilion on February 9, 1973. I had it on a tape back in the ’80s and it took me 30 years to find it again. It was labor of love, because I really enjoyed watching everyone enjoy the music. The reaction from everyone who attended the Forest was amazing. Everyone loved it universally. Big thanks to Peter Shapiro and Dave Frey for the opportunity. I can’t put a price on the experience.”

Listen below.