Ring out 2025 and roll into 2026 with the band that’s become a full-blown movement at Sanctuary. Dead Ahead is back to headline our New Year’s Eve Ball, delivering the kind of night-long groove that keeps the dance floor buzzing and the spirit high.
Dead Ahead burst onto the New England scene in the fall of 2024 and instantly turned their weekly Tuesday residency at Sanctuary into a beloved tradition. Rooted in the music of the Grateful Dead, their sound is a joyful collision of deep jams, rich harmonies, and wide-open improvisation. With nods to Little Feat and The Allman Brothers Band, each performance feels alive—fresh, fearless, and full of surprises.
At the heart of the band is powerhouse couple Ryan and Sonya Rae Taylor. Ryan brings soulful, slide-driven guitar work that cuts right to the bone, while Sonya Rae—a dynamic vocalist, guitarist, and former Nashville staff songwriter—brings fire, finesse, and irresistible charisma. They’re joined by the unstoppable Alex MacDougall on drums and vocals; Justin Lopes on keys; Matt Caporale on bass; Joe Peck on guitar and vocals; and Brendan Tommaney on percussion, giving the band its signature rhythmic lift.
Dead Ahead has earned a reputation for weaving songs into sprawling medleys, taking unexpected turns, and pushing every moment to its fullest. No two shows are alike, and that’s exactly why their fans keep coming back for more.
Come celebrate with the community that’s made Tuesday nights legendary. Raise a glass, hit the dance floor, and welcome the new year with a band that’s not just honoring the music—they’re carrying it somewhere new.
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