1. But one show often dominates such conversations: the Grateful Dead's legendary May 8, 1977 performance at Cornell University's Barton Hall, an event that celebrates its 40th anniversary Monday.
2. When terms like the Grateful Dead and Barton Hall come up in conversation, there’s a good chance the show being discussed is the band’s venerable May 9, 1977 performance. But there were two other shows played at this field house on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

I know it's kind of like choosing your favorite child, but when asked the question, 'What is the greatest Dead show of all-time?', there are a large contingent of Dead Heads that believe it to be the May 8, 1977 show at Cornell University (Barton Hall). The soundboard recording of this show is legendary, and has taken on a life of its own over the years (it is one of 25 sounds that has been inducted into the National Recording Registry).

Grateful Dead Barton Hall Vinyl

Grateful Dead Barton Hall 5-8-77

Offered here is the original poster used to promote the 1977 Cornell show. It's classic Grateful Dead/Steal Your Face imagery (the birdman character lower center was a logo for the Cornell Concert Commission), and is the handiwork of Jay Mabrey. Jay was a senior at Cornell at the time, and had designed promotional material for concerts there over his four year stay. The poster measures 17 1/4' x 23 1/2', and is in excellent condition. It has received LIGHT restoration work to the corner areas outside of the image (light pinhole damage), and to the image area in a couple of spots (touch-up to some of the black ink, which historically has had a tendency to chip). I do not know who did the work on this poster, but it is outstanding...the poster could not be more visually appealing (yes, it looks every bit as nice as the photo).

Grateful Dead Barton Hall 1977

Grateful Dead Barton Hall Cornell

Fueled by bootleg recordings circulated among ardent fans, the Grateful Dead’s May 8, 1977, show at Cornell University’s Barton Hall has achieved legendary status in the ensuing decades.

Given the current condition of the poster, had it not been restored it would command $10,000+, IF you could find one (and, remember, the work here is light,touch-up type stuff). According to the artist, the print run was small, and most were given away to local Dead Heads. It's a highly sought after piece, so if you have been trying to track one down please don't let this one get past you. Please call Jim at 1-800-575-1967 with any specific questions.