Aug 22+23: The Heart of Gold Band: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay @ Mystic Theater

HeartofGold_1080x1350 (1)

A Celebration of the Life and Music of Donna Jean Godchaux Mackay
The Heart of Gold Band

Featuring Steve Kimock, Greg Anton, Zion Rock Godchaux, David Mackay, Maria Muldaur, Brian Godchaux, Mookie Siegel, Wally Ingram w/ Kinsman Mackay, Frank Goodman plus special guests

August 22 & 23, 2026
Mystic Theatre
Petaluma, CA
BUY TICKETS: 8.22.26 + 8.23.26
A Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit
Alive Hospice and Camp Winnarainbow

Donna Jean Godchaux MacKay will always be remembered for the lustrous vocals and lovely demeanor she brought to her near-decade in the Grateful Dead. But when she and her husband Keith moved on, they founded the Heart of Gold Band. To honor her passing (November 2, 2025) and celebrate her life (and her birthday, August 22nd), the Heart of Gold Band and a number of friends and family will assemble at the Mystic Theatre for two nights of music, joy, sweet memories and probably a few tears. They’ll play tunes from throughout her career, from Muscle Shoals to Egypt and beyond.

Donna Jean Thatcher was born in Florence, Alabama, and by the time she was in high school, she was singing harmonies at the two studios that created the legendary “Muscle Shoals Sound,” including Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” and Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds.” She moved to California, met and married Keith Godchaux, and then introduced herself to Jerry Garcia: “I need your phone number, because my husband is going to be your new keyboard player.” She was right. She also brought her exquisite voice to
the band.

Keith Godchaux’s untimely death in 1980 brought an unfortunate end to the Heart of Gold Band, but the partnership of Steve Kimock and Greg Anton it created led to the band Zero and a great deal more memorable music.Donna Jean was one of the sweetest and most-loved women ever. She touched countless hearts and now we gather in love and gratitude to celebrate her spirit, the music and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.