Eyes of the World —
A Benefit for the Rex Foundation
For many, many years, the band Cubensis have been strong supporters of the Rex Foundation, most notably with their annual Thanksgiving Potluck and Rex Karaoke, a beloved Southern California holiday tradition.
This year they’re taking it to the next level on February 21 at LA’s Lodge Room with Eyes of the World, an epic all-ages show with three bands, and it’s a benefit for Rex!
Joining Cubensis to celebrate the Grateful Dead’s music are The Great Divide and Shaky Feelin’, and some inspired moments are sure to result.
Cubensis’ event producer Dan Vesely explains.
“For many years, this fundraiser began as a joyful collaboration with Cubensis – Grateful Dead Experience, built around a unique karaoke‑style event and potluck dinner that celebrated the music we all love while supporting the Rex Foundation. The event was originally created by Craig Marshall, whose passion for the Grateful Dead, community, and giving back inspired everyone involved. After Craig’s passing in 2022 following a battle with cancer, I stepped fully into the role of MC and organizer — a role I had been growing into since 2015 — and continued the fundraiser annually through 2024. While the format remained heartfelt and fun, it also sparked a bigger idea about what this community might be capable of together.
“I’ve been a Deadhead for 49 years. Music — especially the Grateful Dead and the community that grew around it — shaped my life, my values, and my belief in the power of art to connect people. I’m semi‑retired now, an amateur musician, and deeply committed to philanthropy and supporting the arts. And I’m incredibly fortunate to be part of a vibrant circle of jam bands here in Southern California — a true musical community where collaboration, improvisation, and generosity are the norm.
“That’s when the idea came together.
“Instead of one person at a time singing along to a backing track, what if we brought together bands — musicians who already live and breathe this music — and created a real concert experience? One night. One room. A shared intention. A celebration of the Grateful Dead’s spirit and the values the Rex Foundation has carried forward for decades.
“The response from the local music community was immediate and enthusiastic. These bands aren’t just peers; they’re friends. They understand that this isn’t about spotlight or profit — it’s about communion. About showing up for each other. About keeping the music, and its ideals, alive.
“The result is something bigger than I imagined: a full benefit concert powered by community, collaboration, and love for the music that brings us together.
“At this event, we won’t just be listening to songs. We’ll be communing through the music — honoring creativity, generosity, and the belief that music can still change lives. Supporting the Rex Foundation feels like a natural extension of that belief.
“This show is proof that when a community finds the right rhythm, amazing things can happen.”
— Dan Vesely
