The Capitol Theatre And Village Of Port Chester Dedicate “Phil Lesh Lane” In Honor Of Grateful Dead Legend

Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh was honored by The Capitol Theatre and the Village of Port Chester, NY on March 14, 2025.

On the day before what would have been Lesh’s 85th birthday, the corner of Westchester Avenue and Broad Street was officially renamed Phil Lesh Lane.  The corner of Westchester Avenue and Broad Street is home to The Cap’s “Door 12” stage door.  Lesh used this entrance during his 106 separate performances.

The dedication ceremony kicked off a four-night celebration at The Capitol Theatre.  Lesh’s son, Grahame Lesh, performed alongside an all-star lineup, which included:  Rick Mitarotonda, Eric Krasno, Oteil Burbridge, Jason Crosby, John Molo, Jennifer Hartswick, Jackie Greene, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Steve Molitz, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Rob Barraco.

The Grateful Dead performed 18 legendary shows at The Capitol Theatre between 1970 and 1971, leaving a lasting impression on Port Chester.  Since The Capitol Theatre’s reopening in 2012, Lesh had played 106 shows.   Fans continue to pour into the city to experience the magic of these musical moments, fueling the local economy, and shaping Port Chester’s musical and cultural legacy.

In addition to the creation of Phil Lesh Lane, Lesh had received the Key to Port Chester and was named an Honorary Firefighter by the Port Chester Volunteer Fire Department.

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Peter Shapiro shares “Phil was like a father to the Capitol, and performed there more times than any other musician in the theater’s history. We are thrilled that he will now be with us, on the same street, for every show the theater has moving forward, forever.”

Grahame Lesh shares “The Lesh Family is so honored that the many magical nights that Phil spent at The Cap will be commemorated with Phil Lesh Lane. Phil loved The Cap and the entire community that came to his shows here, and our whole family will always feel the love that reflected back to him and all of us. It is extra special for this commemoration to happen on his 85th Birthday weekend, as we all spent so many of his birthdays with Deadheads who traveled from near and far to celebrate with him and our family.”

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ABOUT THE CAPITOL THEATRE

Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from NYC, accessible via I-95 and the Port Chester Metro-North train station. The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” showcased legends such as Traffic, the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the USA. In 2012, The Capitol Theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. The New York Times raves: “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as The Capitol is something to celebrate.” The Capitol Theatre also hosts private and corporate events from benefit concerts, film shoots and Bar Mitzvahs to one of a kind weddings and celebrations.