Phil and Friends "ascended into light" last night as the inventive show ended around the campfire again.

Phil and Friends "ascended into light" last night as the inventive show ended around the campfire again.

On Wednesday evening Phil and Friends continued the "From Darkness to Light" series at Terrapin Crossroads. The inventive idea made for some great sets and music over its two night span. Phil's band was essentially the same as last night's with Jackie Greene and Neal Casel on guitar, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, drummer Mark Levy and the only line up change being Nicki Bluhm taking over on vocals.

  This night had the all-star band play tunes from a bevy of artist including, Joni Mitchell, Robbie Robertson, Allman Brothers, Jefferson Starship, Bob Dylan, even U2. as well as Grateful Dead classics. The band started the unusual show with "Here Comes Sunshine" before Jackie Greene led them through Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man". The refreshing setlist is located below and the encore took place in the backyard around the campfire, as the previous night's show ended. If Phil is not at LOCKN' or touring Hawaii he is managing to keep it fresh at his mecca in San Rafael, California.

Written by:Kevin Long

Edited by: Greg Heffelfinger     

“Ascending Into the Light”

Jam > Here Comes the Sun, Hey Mr. Tambourine 

Man,

Down to the River to Pray, Dreams > Jam (w/Jessica & Mountain Jam riffs) > Eyes of the World > Within You Without You > Scarlet Begonias > Beautiful Day, Somebody to Love, Broken Arrow, Both Sides Now > Franklin’s Tower, Comes a Time > Dark Star > The Wheel

Enc:  Took place in the Backyard with Jackie and Neal on acoustic guitars

You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, Angel Band, Down to the River to Pray, Ripple, Not Fade Away

Band: Phil Lesh, Jackie Greene, Neal Casal, Adam MacDougall, Mark Levy, Nicki Bluhm

source: deadheadland.com

Dead and Company have become a band beyond description. A review of the grateful holiday weekend in Boulder, Colorado

Dead and Company have become a band beyond description. A review of the grateful holiday weekend in Boulder, Colorado

  

Dead and Company were just a rumor this time last year. In the span of twelve months this band that started as the center of so many jokes, in this reviewers opinion has become the best band since 1998’s incarnation of The Other Ones to celebrate the Grateful Dead. The group I witnessed last fall in Nashville and St. Louis was not the same band that just knocked a crowded Folsom Field on their collective psychedelic asses over the weekend. Last year, Oteil and John were merely playing the songs. Now that they are comfortable with most of the tunes, they are infusing their own styles into the notes resulting in a band that is actually taking the music further. They performed two brilliant shows with each one being as different as they were extraordinary. The whole band but especially John Mayer and Oteil turned in bravura performances. 

The first night got started off with a spirited “Bertha” to open the first set. John Mayer won the historic stadium fully over with his confident lyrics and blazing guitar solos. Next up was an enthusiastic version of the upbeat cover “Good Lovin”. Bob Weir looked amazing and sounded even better as he delivered the song with extra cheese. By the time the band arrived at “Tennessee Jed” over 30,000 shit-eating grins were dancing and singing along as we strangled to get our heads around just how good this band had become. Then, my favorite moment of the first set took place when Bobby stepped up to the microphone and dedicated the song to Rob. His dear friend and bandmate Rob Wasserman had just passed away and he played the Ratdog staple “Even So” with vigor and heart. The band delivered a tight version of this bluesy tune as if they had played it a hundred times before. A large projection of Rob was shown on the screens as Bobby and thousands of others howled in unison for their fallen friend. This was just what the band needed as an expansive “Uncle John's Band” followed and this anthem was given the royal treatment to the delight of everyone. The crackling first set came to a rowdy end with a blistering “One More Saturday Night” as the near capacity crowd sang into the sunseT

After another weird setbreak, Dead and Company got the magic started early has they launched into a joyous “Scarlet Begonias”. The masses quickly began to dance in a tribal-like fashion as many gave themselves to the band. It was clear as “Scarlet” bled into “Fire on the Mountain” that most did not have a say in the matter, except the six members on the elaborate stage that were clearly letting the music play the band. The inspiring “Fire” reached several musical peaks only to be torn down, then the band would play the musical notes back into a recognizable pattern to the familiar cheers of thousands. On this mystical weekend, most fans got the songs they clambered to hear as a trippy ”Saint of Circumstance” gave way to the coveted “Lady with a Fan” sung by Mayer into a Weir led “Terrapin Station” as this version exploded with originality as Oteil pushed the jam into another realm before the stadium screamed in unison “TERRAPIN”. This madness subsided into “Drums” and Space” where some danced, some celebrated, while others got their heads right. All the variables had lined up and we were a part of a special weekend and a heart-wrenching version of ”Stella Blue” did little to change anybody’s mind. Bobby handled the delicate lyrics while Mayer shared Weir’s heart with his guitar strings. The beloved Jerry ballad was followed by Bobby’s political anthem “Throwing Stones” which put a bolt of electricity in the colorful crowd as they sang “ashes to ashes we all fall down”. Bobby proved he had plenty in the tank as the band united to deliver a version that had a galvanising effect on the crowd. “Not Fade Away” ended this marathon set of music as the crowd chanted those famous lyrics the band came out to send everyone home with misty eyes as they performed a beautiful rendition of “Black Muddy River” as the encore. John Mayer handled the lyrics tastefully and put a perfect amount of his own flavor on the guitar licks. The bittersweet encore was a perfect way to call it a night. 

The big eyed crowd descended out on to the streets to celebrate as I smiled knowing I had another date with this band the following night.

 One should never miss a Sunday night show and we knew Dead and Company was well in tune with one another that they were going to  perform another gem in paradise. 

    Early thunderstorms gave way to another near perfect day as the heads gathered on and around Shakedown Street for another dose of Dead and Company. The vibe was electric as most were still basking in the radiance of last night's show. If it was not for all the hipsters, it could have been the early nineties. I am only kidding, it was beautiful to witness the kind culture this band still inspires in its fans.We all piled into Folsom Field one more time with the vibe even looser than the night before. The band took the stage and acknowledged that vibe with a sultry “Feel Like a Stranger” opener. They were looser than the previous night as the jams stretched out early and often this show. An extended opener led to the evening's bust out in the form of the blues staple “Next Time You See Me” the vocals and the bluesy jam was a great fit with the kid’s sound as he and Bobby traded off solos. It was time to go to church next as Bobby led the boys through a charged up rendition of the Sunday staple, “Samson and Delilah”.  This sent the crowd as well as the band into another realm as the rest of the night would border on perfection. John Mayer gave everyone a taste of what to expect with a jammed out “Bird Song”. 

Everyone stretched their improvisation muscles has this version soared with the magic of yesterday. The exceptional”Bird Song” disappeared into a “New Speedway Boogie” to end the first set on a high note. After yet another strange set break the band plays the weekend's definitive set. It opens with a monster “China Cat Sunflower into I Know You Rider” that got the stadium on their feet and most would rarely sit down again. That went into a “He’s Gone” that was played to perfection. During the vocal jam they threw in a “Smokestack Lightning” before melting back into He’s Gone”. Instead of Drums we got a monster “Let it Grow”. This is the tightest Dead project in twenty years. They proved that with the epic “Space” into “Dark Star” into “Morning Dew”. Then a double encore of “Brokedown Palace and U.S. Blues” sealed this weekends' fate as historic. The fact that after fifty years that Dead and Company are so good and relevant is a testimony to the music. I think it's always been about the songs and this project is the best at performing them in some time. The fact at forty one that the Dead can still blow my mind is right on so many levels. Dead and Company are the real deal and we are lucky to have them adding miles to our long strange trip. 

Written by: Kevin Long

Edited by: Greg Heffelfinger

      Photos: Emily Takacs

© 2016 Grateful Music LLC

Steven Adler and Duff McKagan all play with Guns and Roses for the first time since 1990.

Steven Adler and Duff McKagan all play with Guns and Roses for the first time since 1990. 

Guns and Roses continue to prove the critics wrong by continuing their "Not in This Lifetime" tour with no problems. Wednesday night they played Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio and history was made as Steve Adler shared the stage with his "Appetite for Destruction" bandmates Slash,Axl Rose and even Duff McKagan. Steve joined the band for "Out to get Me" and "My Michelle". Here is a complete setlist of this amazing tour. I think it is so cool they are playing"Coma". 

Kevin Long
Greg Heffelfinger

Setlist from Setlist.Fm and story from Jambase.com 

• Looney Tunes Intro
• The Equalizer  
• It's So Easy
• Mr. Brownstone
• Chinese Democracy
• Welcome to the Jungle
• Double Talkin' Jive
• Estranged
• Live and Let Die  
• Rocket Queen
• You Could Be Mine
• Attitude  
• This I Love
• Civil War  
• Coma  
• Speak Softly Love (Love Theme From The Godfather)  
• Sweet Child O' Mine
• Better
• Out Ta Get Me
• My Michelle
• Slash & Fortus Guitar Duet  
• November Rain  
• Knockin' on Heaven's Door  
• Nightrain

ENCORE

• Jam  
• Patience
• The Seeker  
• Paradise City

Phish lays down an eventful show in Portland, Maine. "Guyute" and"Fluffhead" came out to play..

Phish lays down an eventful show in Portland, Maine. "Guyute and Fluffhead" came out to play.

    Phish has been inconsistent at best this summer, but this summer's tour is starting to find its identity. Unusual sets have become the norm and this had two for the books. The first half started out with the rare opener "Grind" followed by fan favorite,"Cars, Trucks and Buses". The first set's highlights also included a fun "Sloth" and a "Blaze On" that left the script even if it was briefly. 

     Like most shows the meat and potatoes are in the second set and this half was a buffet of Phish goodies. The funky set started with a "First Tube" before they let "Tweezer" paint a musical rollercoaster for all in attendance. "Guyute" made his first welcomed appearance in a while after the ambitious jam. Then Phish created a "Mike's Song" sandwich for the book. It transpired like so; "Mike's Song > Tide Turns > Devotion To a Dream, Wingsuit > Bittersweet Motel > Fluffhead > Weekapaug Groove". Yes, there was a "Fluffhead and Bittersweet Bust out Motel" in that insane sequence. For an encore Maine would get a coveted "Contact"before the rousing "Reprise". Phish must be saving the kitchen sink for tomorrow. They always do!

Kevin Long

Setlist by Phish .net

Cross Insurance Arena, Portland, ME

Set 1: Grind, Cars Trucks Buses > Blaze On, Yarmouth Road, Kill Devil Falls, The Sloth, Billy Breathes, My Friend, My Friend, Heavy Things, 555, Things People Do, The Line, Stash

Set 2: First Tube > Tweezer > Guyute, Mike's Song > Tide Turns > Devotion To a Dream, Wingsuit > Bittersweet Motel > Fluffhead > Weekapaug Groove,

Encore: Contact >  Tweezer Reprise

Notes: Bittersweet Motel was last played on July 4, 2012 (146 shows).

#RIP! Goodbye to Blackberry Classic!

Change is Only Natural: A Classic Model Makes Way BlackBerry Classic

blackberry has passed through advance hell this year alone ranging fromWhatsapp divorce, Facebook divorce
In the words of Ralph Pini, Chief Operating Officer & General Manager for Devices at BlackBerry Ltd,

Sometimes it can be very tough to let go. For BlackBerry, and more importantly for our customers, the hardest part in letting go is accepting that change makes way for new and better experiences.

When I took on the role as the GM for Devices, I spoke about three critical elements for the success of our devices business. First was expanding choice for customers. Second was leveraging our unmatched experience and capabilities in security. Third was building on the BlackBerry pedigree.

These are the tenets that help keep us focused and the reasons why we are committed to the success of both BlackBerry 10 and Android devices. To keep innovating and advancing our portfolio, we are updating our smartphone lineup with state of the art devices. As part of this, and after many successful years in the market, we will no longer manufacture BlackBerry Classic. For many years, Classic (and its BBOS predecessors) has been in our portfolio. It has been an incredible workhorse device for customers, exceeding all expectations. But, the Classic has long surpassed the average lifespan for a smartphone in today’s market,

We are ready for this change so we can give our customers something better – entrenched in our legacy in security and pedigree in making the most productive smartphones.For now, if the Classic is still your device of choice, please check with your carriers for device availability or purchase Classic unlocked online. We continue to actively support BlackBerry 10 with software updates and are on track to deliver version 10.3.3 next month with a second update to follow next year.

I’m excited for what’s to come and looking forward to giving you a new and better experience.

Source 

The Rex Foundation combined with the Jake Peavy Foundation announced an all star benefit concert in honor of "Jerry Garcia".

The Rex Foundation combined with the Jake Peavy Foundation announced an all star benefit concert in honor of  "Jerry Garcia". 

  The Rex Foundation in a new partnership with the Jack Peavy Foundation announced today that they are throwing their first all star benefit  concert to celebrate the music of "Jerry Garcia". It's billed "Can't Stop The Train-A Tribute to Jerry Garcia". It is set to take place at The Fillmore  Wednesday, August 17th  at 9.00p.m. The artist donating thier chops include Jackie Greene, Col. Bruce Hampton, Cody and Luther Dickerson, Jeff Sipe, Jennifer Hartswick and Jack Peavy along with other artist to be determined. 

     Tickets to this amazing event will be available to purchase on July 8th for $60. They can be bought at 

www.rexfoundation.org. You can also purchase tickets for $150 that gets into the pre party. Enjoy an open bar and food while you hang with the artist, Jack Peavy and his teammates. You can also purchase V.I.P. Tickets on the same link. In this case spending the extra money is worth it because all proceeds earned go to fund the respected foundations. 

Phil and Friends played an interesting show that ended around the campfire. Setlist

Phil and Friends played an interesting show that ended around the campfire. 

Phil Lesh welcomed some new friends into his band to kick off his "From Darkness To Light" series of concerts at Terrapin Crossroads last night. The theme of this particular show was "Darkness" which became evident when it ended in the backyard for an encore played around the fire. 

     This band consisted of a few familiar faces like guitarist Jackie Greene and Neil Casel along with keyboardist Adam MacDougall. The "Circles around the Sun" drummer Mark Levy and a Terrapin Crossroads family friend, Cass McCombs, joined the band and lent his voice to the band. 

     Cass handled a majority of the vocal duties including the "Dark Star" opener. This melted into "Pink Floyd's"Eclipse". Well I was not there but let's just say it looks good on paper. Check it out. 

Written by: Kevin Long
Edited by: Greg Heffelfinger 

Setlist via Deadheadland.com 

Set: Jam > Dark Star v1 cm > Eclipse all > Mountains of the Moon pl > Bad Moon Rising cm jg > Paint It Black nc, Comfortably Numb am nc jg, Never Asked To Be Your Mountain nc > (Jeff Buckley), Hurricane jg (Dylan), Black Peter cm, Darkness Darkness jg, China Doll cm, Terrapin Station pl. Black Muddy River jg, Who Knows Where The Time Goes nc

Encore Set (sing-a-long at the fire pit in the Terrapin Backyard): Box of Rain pl all, I Shall Be Released jgre nc all, Bird Song pl all, Uncle John’s Band all