By Starr Sackstein
The crowded Beacon Theater in New York City was buzzing with excitement on Friday, October 13th minutes before Phil Lesh and Friends began to play. I have to admit I had my skepticism about seeing a member of the Grateful Dead with different musicians and without Jerry Garcia. As a matter of fact, it’s what kept me from seeing the Further Festivals, Ratdog, and the Other Ones in the past. I just didn’t think I could handle seeing the Dead without Jerry. I am not ashamed to say I was wrong in this instance. They were able to ignite the same spark that the Grateful Dead always had burning.
The lights went low and the fever was in the air a little after 8 PM. Upon the lighted stage stood Phil Lesh, John Molo, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Rob Barraco and the crowd went wild. They started playing a disjointed warm up jam that came together like a symphony to open with “Dancin’ in the Streets.” The spotlight came up on Rob Barraco on the keyboards and he began to sing. Imagine my surprise when Rob Barraco was able to carry Jerry’s songs without losing the magic that Garcia brought to his music. After Phil Lesh sang an awesome version of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, Barraco came back to sing a phenomenal rendition of Ramble on Rose. I was floored. I hadn’t heard Ramble on Rose at a Dead show in years and it was just like old times.
The first set continued to surprise, intrigue and motivate the other fans and myself with outstanding jams reminiscent of early Grateful Dead stylings and intensity. They didn’t let up at all and neither did the audience. Through an impressive jam of “The Wheel” into “Jack-A-Roe” into “Foolish Heart” finishing with “Turn on Your Love Light”, the group played like each of the songs would never end. The anticipation was high as we all waited for what song would be next. The isles were filled with spinning hippies and dancing newcomers both equally impressed with the display. I was home again and I was instantly reminded of why I loved seeing the Dead live so much.
The second set opened with “Strawberry Fields” and it was fantastic. The electric organ sounds came out and I remember standing there thinking to myself, “no it can’t be what I think it is”; but it was. I never heard a cover of this Beatles song and I’m sorry they never did. The musicians were calm and collected and loving what they were doing. The chemistry between the guys was electric and alive. Each of them separate finely tuned spokes that make the wheel spin perfectly. The music was tight and energetic. I couldn’t have been more swept away. It was an action packed set intertwined with old classics like: “Wharf Rat,” “Box of Rain,” “Not Fadeaway,” “Help On the Way” into “Slipknot!” into “Terrapin Station,” “The Other One” back into “Slipknot!” and ending with “Franklin’s Tower.” When they finished playing everyone stood around cheering and clapping awaiting the encore that we knew would soon follow. What were they going to play? Something old? Or something new?
The spotlight came back up on the stage after a 15 minute round of applause. The crowd silenced as Phil Lesh stood center stage; he took this opportunity to remind his fans how important organ donors are to people. Although I understand his passion for this particular cause, I could’ve done without the solicitation. It was jarring and out of place for that moment. After another roar of support, Phil’s friends came back on stage and began their final jam for the evening. Built to Last was their last selection. Although I am not a huge fan of the newer Grateful Dead music, Warren Haynes performed it with precision and enthusiasm. It suited the spirit of the show as an encore as this music was made to last forever.
This show was unlike any Grateful Dead show that I ever saw. The band managed to pull together on so many songs that you would have never heard together in one show. It was one hard hitting tune right after the next and the musicianship couldn’t have been matched. They were a cohesive whole working only for the music and the love of their fans. A simpler setting and a fuller set makes for a tremendous experience.
After all the preconceived notions I had about seeing them, I am glad that I put them aside and took a chance. I left the show wanting more as I often did when I knew a night of Grateful Dead music was coming to a close. I haven’t left a concert in a long time feeling tired from dancing, but completely eager with anticipation for the next time I could see them. There is nothing in the world that could replace the experience of seeing The Grateful Dead, however, Phil Lesh and Friends for an intimate evening of music could certainly begin to fill the void.
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