“Celebration, Devastation, and Redemption” - Part One - Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia - 14 May 2015 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD

“Celebration, Devastation, and Redemption” - Part One

Dear Jerry:  Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia

14 May 2015 - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Set One:  Communion with Phil Lesh - The Wheel > Uncle John's Band, Standing On The Moon, Liberty; Allen Toussaint - Get Out Of My Life Woman; David Grisman with Sam Bush - Shady Grove; Peter Frampton with Bill Kreutzmann - (I'm A) Roadrunner; Buddy Miller - Deal; Jorma Kaukonen - Sugaree; Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come; Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Dave Schools, Bill Kreutzmann and Jimmy Cliff - Attics Of My Life (intro) > Fire On The Mountain

Set Two:  Billy and The Kids - Help On The Way > Slipknot! > Franklin's Tower; Disco Biscuits with Bill Kreutzmann and Tom Hamilton - Scarlet Begonias > I Know You Rider > Scarlet Begonias; moe. - Loser; O.A.R. - St. Stephen

Set Three:  Los Lobos with Bob Weir - Not Fade Away > Bertha; Trampled By Turtles - Brown-Eyed Women; Yonder Mountain String Band - Shakedown Street; Bob Weir - Days Between; Grace Potter, Bob Weir, and Matt Burr - Friend Of The Devil; Eric Church - Tennessee Jed; Widespread Panic - Morning Dew; Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and  Mickey Hart - Touch Of Grey; A Host of the Evening's Performers - Ripple

Admittedly, this was a bit of a challenging review to even approach, much less write.  A night of so much music billed and performed by so many artists, all in homage to our Jerry and his timeless works.  And, of course, what with the scheduling tragedies and disappointments, et al, the plot thickens even further.  But let’s get to everything in the right order, shall we?

First and foremost, I have never seen Merriweather Post and the surrounding areas mobbed so thoroughly as I did last Thursday.  It would be an interesting statistic to know how many people just came for the parties in the parking lots, no ticket, no worries.  Given that we had to park somewhere on the backside of Mars to find a spot in an MPP lot, I’d wager the number of the ticketless was legion.  Certainly boosted the celebratory air of the evening, even if it meant a brisk, lengthly walk.  But, eyes on the prize, we all knew the end game was so very worth it.

Second, alas, DC’s infamous awful rush hour did us in and we lost the first five songs of the show to traffic.  It really was tragic — hate it when that stuff happens.  So, sadly, we missed Phil with Communion and also missed Allen Toussaint but at the very least we walked in to David Grisman and a little Sam Bush playing us a tight little “Shady Grove” all the way to our seats.  Not a bad way to make an entrance if you can’t be there for the start of the show!  Coming alive with “(I’m A) Roadrunner”, the legendary Peter Frampton was up next for my first full song of Dear Jerry.  And he killed it.  It was just the beginning, too, in terms of star power, nailing Jerry songs summarily time and again, and right there in the pavilion with me.  Certainly the closest I have ever been to the likes of Frampton or Cliff or Bobby or Billy or Mickey — needless to say, it was a mighty cool experience on so many levels.  But let’s get back to some music, yes, as Buddy Miller stepped up next with a rock solid “Deal” which was extremely popular with the fantastically drunk fellow standing next to me, as well as with the rest of us.  “Libation-assisted-merriment” was in expectedly full force at Dear Jerry…I’ve rarely kicked so many tiny Fireball bottles in my life.  What the hell?  It was a party, right?  “Sugaree” was now up in the queue, performed by Jorma Kaukonen whose serious guitar chops made this a true delight, even for a song I already love.  Then, I must admit, I fell a bit prey to some star-struck energies as Jimmy Cliff took the stage for a couple of numbers.  Just seeing yet one more living legend in a lineup of legends was so powerful, so real.  And then to get a “The Harder They Come” live from Jimmy, all smiles and baseball cap, well that was just surreal.  And marvelous.  Just as marvelous as when Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Dave Schools joined Jimmy and the house band (which, it must be said, was just incredibly good and filled with its own music greats like Sam Bush for instance) for “Fire on the Mountain” following an “Attics of My Life” Intro.  Mickey Hart’s lead into “Fire” set us all dancing with instant recognition and we were off for a fun, fun ride that consisted of spot on vocals from Jimmy as well as righteous rhythm from the Devils all anchored by Bobby’s iconic presence.  A big, bangin’ version of one of Jerry’s best.  Thanks for that and thanks for such a great set, everyone!

The second set opened with Billy and the Kids who gave us a sweet and savvy trio of “Help On The Way” into “Slipknot!” into “Franklin's Tower” — all in the classic Dead sound and style that we’ve come to expect from Billy’s boys over the years.  The perfect way to get a show of the magnitude going once again and back wandering and weaving through the intricate musical life of Jerry Garcia.  One of my clear favorite acts of the entire night was up next:  The Disco Biscuits with Bill Kreutzmann and Tom Hamilton.  I had no idea what to expect and I am glad I didn’t because I was blown away.  Easily the best jams of the night, the most explosive energy, the highest height of the show.  So it was “Scarlet Begonias” into “I Know You Rider” and back into “Begonias” and it was stupendously awesome music.  Mad guitar solos everywhere and very tight musical texture.  Damn was it good!!   An absolute crowd favorite as well.  Bravi, boys!!  And thanks!  The easily recognizable faces of moe. came forward next for a happily predictable “Loser” — I say “happily predictable” because it seemed a good and obvious choice for them plus I really wanted to hear them play it at this show.  I am glad I wasn’t disappointed.  One cool point about this show, too, is that there were so many folks of renown scattered in amongst the seats around us:  Leon Russell was right in front of us to the left, Timmy Carbone was spotted — it was really cool to see them all enjoying the fruits of Jerry as well.  A unique night of music to be sure.  Speaking of which…the final song of the second set was “St. Stephen” performed by O.A.R.  Unfortunately, the sound was terrible for this song really screwing the band.  This was a problem for the remainder of the show.  Just bad levels for various performers.  Boo juice, sound folks!!

After another very brief set break, we were back with some Los Lobos and Bobby for a couple:  “Not Fade Away” into “Bertha”.  It was my first time seeing Los Lobos so that was a bonus, plus there was some particularly exquisite guitar interplay between Bobby and some of the Lobos making for a very fine music experience.  The band also surrendered the vocals to the crowd for a good portion of “Not Fade Away” which was pretty incredible to hear — thousands of Heads all united in song.  Good stuff.  Trampled By Turtles followed with “Brown-Eyed Women”, however, the only thing I can really say is just how horribly terribly awful the sound was for their entire song.  From where I stood it was atrocious.  Again, levels all akimbo.  Not sure what the hell happened there, but it diminished the show.  Quite significantly.  So sorry to Trampled.  A nice “Shakedown Street” was next on the menu from the newly announced Yonder Mountain String Band 2.0 (it’s official).  Yet again the sound was wonky for some folks, vocal mics inaudible.  Terrible.  But the song evened out and rocked towards the end, thanks to Allie whose energy always brings such shine to a YMSB 2.0 show.  Weir’s soulful intensity was on display in “Days Between” bringing a stormy energy to the concert that segued nicely into Grace Potter joining him for a mild and lovely “Friend of the Devil” right afterwards.  Um, not sure how to approach the next act as it was my least favorite of the evening and the very least in a host of a great tributes to Jerry Garcia.  Besides, his version of “Tennessee Jed” simply wasn’t good, to put it plainly.  It is not a person I’d like to hear cover Jerry ever again.  This person is country music’s Eric Church.  And, moving on…  Another of the high points of the evening came from Widespread Panic just killing “Morning Dew”.  True to form, the fellas nailed it down.  Really solid musicianship, really solid vocals, and solidly entertaining and pleasing to the crowd.  A better version of that song that I’ve heard, I’d say.  Then, it was hard to tell if the show was winding down or not (there wasn’t much guidance as to what was going on for us in the crowd) as Bobby, Billy, and Mickey came back for a kick ass “Touch Of Grey”, my first favorite Dead song (yeah, I know — weird).  It was a perfect tribute song to Jerry played by his grey-haired friends and bandmates.  I am smiling now just at the memory.  And the final song of the evening was performed by the largest supergroup I have ever witnessed as almost all the night’s performers joined the Dead members for a huge “Ripple” sing-a-long with the crowd.  Talk about picture op central!  So cool.  So great to sing and dance and smile and enjoy the night.  Just incredible.  I just wish that was how the story ended…

You might notice that a few of the performers billed are conspicuously absent from my review:  Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass, and Bruce Hornsby.  If you don’t know already, due to curfew and scheduling issues, the show ran long and acts had to be cut.  These aforementioned acts.  Needless to say we were all wondering what the hell happened (as well as the bands we were sure).  Once the information started coming out, understanding dawned on us all but only led to further frustration and disappointment.  Especially after so many late addition acts were put in who got to perform thereby bucking those billed from the start.  It is a sad and sticky situation and it needs to be addressed.  I know from their Facebook statements that RRE and GSBG were both devastated by this snubbing — and they should have been.  I also know both bands are moving forward because they are amazing, however, it was plain to see the effect this situation had on some of my favorite musicians.  So, it would seem the night of “so much” music turned into the night of “too much” music.  And some folks had to give.  Additionally, it turns out the folks on the lawn didn’t even know the show was ending, that the supergroup was even performing, or that they all took a huge bow at the end because the jumbotrons were only playing “Ripple” lyrics.  Another terrible oversight that negatively impacted so many.  I only bring these things to light in the hopes of our community tightening things up regarding shows like this.  We all payed dearly in many ways to be there, including the bands, and we had our expectations trounced by over-lofty aspirations for the evening.

Final word:  it was still an incredible evening of music.  But, as a friend of mine put it, Blackbird Music had an A+ sitting right in their hands and they just let it get away.  I am inclined to agree.

(PART TWO TO FOLLOW)

The Infamous Stringdusters - 20 April 2015 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO

The Infamous Stringdusters

20 April 2015 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Setlist:  Set 1 - Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 (intro)> Winds of Change, The Hobo Song, Dream You Back, End of the Line, Summercamp> Walking on the Moon, Tragic Life, Head Over Heels, When Silence Is the Only Sound> Machines

Set 2 - Sunny Side of the Mountain> Two Hits and The Joint Turned Brown, I'll Get Away, Sentenced to Life with The Blues, No More to Leave You Behind, Rainbows, Don't Mean Nothin', Hazosphere, Rockets, Angeline the Baker> Wake Me Up, Lovin' You, This Weary Heart You Stole Away, Don't Think Twice It's All Right, Y2K

Encore - Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Keep on Truckin’ (both with Gipsy Moon) 

Note:  This review is part of a continued collaboration between The Lot Scene and our new friends The Mischief Collective (www.themischiefcollective.com) with whom we are thrilled and honored to be working.  Here’s to the beginning of a great friendship!!

So, after feeling like my musical palate had been delightfully worked over by Gipsy Moon like Rocky and a side of beef, it was time to continue our holiday celebrations with The Infamous Stringdusters.  And with a head still full of great music from the afternoon’s flashpick, I was all-the-more ready for some more of that quick pickin’ sound that the Dusters do so very well.  First on the docket?  Well, given the date, how about an apropos intro teaser of Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”?  I am sure you’re familiar with the chorus.  Well, it certainly got us all instantly invested in the first set and when segued into the crowd-pleasing “Winds of Change” we were all fully onboard the Dusters Bluegrass Express once again.  Second in line was Travis who stepped up next for a contemplative look on life through another’s eyes with “The Hobo Song”.  Clearly the boys were enjoying themselves and they definitely took the time to tell us all so.  Andy grabbed the mic for a second to express his gratitude for being able to be in Colorado and play in Boulder, “the center of the Universe today” as he described it.  Of course, his gratitude was dwarfed by our own, eager and ready for the next song.  There Jeremy-led “Dream You Back” broke into a wicked, hopping pace bringing immediate response in the form of hundreds of stomping feet and helping set the tone for the sine curve-shaped energy the rest of the show was to take (high energy song - slower, intense song, and back again).  After the last chord faded out, Travis remarked how that was some “fast ass pickin’” — I honestly couldn't have said it any better myself.  A really nice “End of the Line” led us to Booksy’s “Summercamp” which was treated to great ensemble jamming by the band, some lovely fiddle work by Jeremy, and even a bit of a reggaegrass feel at one point.  All of which was played right into their well-known cover of the Police’s “Walking on the Moon”, a very welcome addition to the setlist that evening.  Bringing that since curve down again slightly, we were given the mournful “Tragic Life” next, with Jeremy dolefully singing us into the ridiculous jams that happened throughout which brought the energy back up again, the evening truly a seesaw of musical experience.  Especially the minutes-long back-and-forth free-for-all (complete with a tiny “Bird Song” teaser from Falco) that pushed this selection to the 9:30 mark for us.  Just the kind of instrumental excellence I have come to appreciate and expect from this multitalented, super-skilled ensemble — all of whom get high marks for just spanking this song.  Thanks, fellas!!  Ah, nothing like a dobro-heavy intro to an Andy Hall solo like “Head Over Heels” which came next, but, then again I am bit biased towards the dobro.  As the set drew to a close, “When Silence is the Only Sound” went straight into a whopping 13 minute “Machines” to finish things up.  So much incredible playing and so much playfulness.  Jam after solo after interlude and back again through a rich tapestry of sound and color, Hall’s dobro lines cheerfully reminding me of Pink Floyd’s Gilmour on electric circa 1990s, this instrumental was a standout favorite of mine from the entire Dusters Boulder Theater run.  Plus, watching the live and natural interplay between the members of this band as they perform is pretty fascinating, such as Panda’s constant grinning as he leads a melodic line or some fantastic “Falco face” as the guitarist shreds the fretboard — and this epic “Machines” gave us all ample opportunity to observe the lot of them, lost in the musical divine.  Certainly a rather satisfying end to the first set.  Just the kind that makes you look forward to more!

It's always nice to catch up with good friends at set break, that perfect mix of merch runs, bar line standing, bathroom needs, and chit-chatting with the ones you call “chum”.  Set break at Boulder Theater is always especially nice — just love my home venue.  And home to some more Dusters in my life.  And my face.  “Sunny Side of the Mountain” began the second round of music with Travis coming out strong on the lead vocals and Jeremy gluing each verse together adeptly with his fiddle interludes or Andy Falco on this guitar.  Add Hall and Pandolfi and, to quote (Arrested Development’s) Carl Weathers, “you got yourself a stew goin’!!”  Which was exactly what we had as “Sunny” morphed into a five-part harmony “Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown” which was littered with light-hearted 4/20 references, a most appropriate anthem for celebrating the show’s date properly.  I’ve definitely never heard a version of this song with a badass grass slam at the end, but now I have, thanks to The Infamous Stringdusters.  Bravi, boys!  The mic belonged to Jeremy next for another personal fave of mine, “I’ll Get Away”, and a swift version at that.  Man, do I love the harmonies in that song!  Falco’s “Sentenced to Life with the Blues” took us to a lengthy “No More to Leave You Behind” that started out with a spacey, free form intro but finished with a truly explosive wave of sonic texture and timbre.  So much ability on display on one stage.  What a wild wonderful ride!  The mildly melancholic “Rainbows” came after chased by “Don’t Mean Nothin’”.  Next on the list was the 7:03 long instrumental tune, “Hazosphere”, a lively and speedy grass number which gave each member of the band ample opportunity to showcase their skills.  Which they did.  Amply.  A seriously good jam from start to finish.  Booksy sang us a pleasant “Rockets”  followed by a Panda-intro-led, floor stomping “Angeline the Baker” which ran directly into “Wake Me Up” continuing the dancing, twirling, hopping energy and forming a nice Travis set of book-ends.  An obvious crowd favorite to be sure.  The slow, steady, rhythmic beginning of the subsequent “Lovin’ You” is always such a false representative of the mad rocking that comes near song’s end, with a little “Norwegian Wood” teaser from Falco and Panda I might add.  Then it was time for some good old-fashioned bluegrass with The Stanley Brothers’ “This Weary Heart You Stole Away” which the Dusters honored in fine fashion with Jeremy’s vocals and fiddle anchoring in classic style.  “Don't Think Twice, It's All Right” and “Y2K” closed out the set for the evening, the final instrumental being quite the face-melter.  I honestly don’t know how human hands and fingers can move so quickly and yet so accurately as those of the Dusters.  What a dazzling display of pure musical mastery.  And it left the crowd elated, overjoyed, and thirsty for one more song.  Except we got two.  That’s right.  The boys came back on stage and invited all of Gipsy Moon back as well…first for Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (the full version this time — I guess the Dusters were determined that everybody get stoned) and then for John Hartford’s “Keep on Truckin’” both of which both bands simply nailed.  I mean, you can’t, just cannot go wrong with a Dylan/Hartford double-barrel encore!  And, when Travis changes the lyrics to “Keep on puffin’, puffin’ on down the road” you just can’t lose!!  A really fantastic close to a supremely great night of music.  And a truly memorable holiday.  Thanks for all the puff-puff-pickin’ boys!!  Same date, same place next year?

Gipsy Moon - 20 April 2015 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO

Gipsy Moon

20 April 2015 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

Fresh from the Dusters’ “flashpick” on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall for 4:20PM, the first offering of the night at The Boulder Theater was Nederland’s own Gipsy Moon.  So, here I was getting ready to savor a tasty Gipsy Moon sammich smothered on Dusty bread for the 4/20 holiday.  Excellence.  And I was hungry for some delicious, nutritious newgrass — I wouldn’t be hungry for long.  After David kicked things off for us on vocals for the first song, an early favorite of mine in their set was the subsequent exotic and sultry selection from their upcoming new album, “Away We Go”, whose distinctive chord progressions and vocals had a palpable effect on the musical spirit.  If all the tracks on Autumn’s Retreat are going to be this good then we’re all looking forward to one hell of an album.  But that should come as no surprise for anyone even remotely familiar with this young Colorado band and their excellent musicianship.  From Mackenzie’s striking, dusky vocals to the unique and very welcome timbre of Andrew’s cello work as well as the other three uber-talented members of this quintet, there is something of note about Gipsy Moon.  And that note should read:  buy tickets to see this band as much as possible.  The next song returned the vocals to David but the best thing about it was the funky, gritty jam in the middle that really showcased the skills of this band.  I am certainly growing ever more fond of their distinctive sound.  Another little gift from these gipsies on down the set was a well-met version of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sparrow” replete with the crisp, tight vocal harmonies associated with the original duo as well as a crazy great solo from Mr. Silas Herman on mandolin.  It wasn’t just the mellow and rich cello intro to the next song that stuck with me, but the chorus as well.  Sometimes some lyrics just strike you, resonating within in certain important ways that keep us all coming back for more and more and more music.  “In the distant thunder, I feel a sense of wonder” chorusing over and again each time hearkening back within to poignant place after time after experience. The seemingly magical power of music will never cease to move and nurture me.  And talk about the right kind of music!  A sweet, leaping instrumental followed with Mackenzie swapping her banjo for a six-string and David doing the opposite.  Yet another impressive showing of the musical acumen to be found in spades in Gipsy Moon.  Up next was the driving, fast pickin’ “Surrender”, with vocals by David, in my opinion a new song to be added to the bluegrass standards list.  The final song of the set brought Mackenzie back to mic one more time for a seductive, cabaret-like number whose name, sadly, escapes me.  I guess I’ll just need to get myself to more Gipsy Moon shows, huh?  Not such bad advice.  For any of us.  Stellar set, you guys, really mighty job.  So glad to have you nearby in Ned. Oh, and a Happy (belated) 4/20 to you!!

The Infamous Stringdusters - 20 April 2015 - “Flashpick" on Pearl Street Mall - Boulder, CO

The Infamous Stringdusters

20 April 2015 - “Flashpick" on Pearl Street Mall - Boulder, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

What a stunningly gorgeous afternoon for a “flashpick” from our favorite Duster lads!!  The latter day sun was warming a sea of smiles and the air flashed fragrant from countless blooms and blossoms along Boulder’s lovely Pearl Street Mall as the band cracked their cases, grabbed their signature tools-of-trade, and delighted us all to some unplugged fast pickin’ under a grinning azure sky.  Never fancied I’d see a Dusters street performance — now I am so happy I have!  “God bless America, God bless Colorado!” were Jeremy Garrett’s fired up words leading into a great half hour of great music. First up was John Hartford’s “Steam Powered Aereo Plane” which they chose to follow Jeremy’s rallying cry.  Definitely a favorite song of mine regardless of which band is playing it, Travis did a fine job on the vocals and we all danced along to this merry newgrass tune.  Given the holiday, there was much celebrating in the crowd (as the show started at 4:15PM…you do the math) evidenced by the hoots and hollers and puffy white clouds drifting up from those assembled at that oh-so infamous time.  Just have to love the expression of freedom…even certain members of the band thanks to a certain “prop” supplied by an audience member.  It was a free and blissful moment for all of us and it was just utterly and thoroughly enjoyable.  Another favorite song of mine came up in the queue as well (lucky me!):  that rollicking bluegrass standard  “Hit Parade of Love”.  It was my first opportunity hearing the Stringdusters unplugged and I relished the chance to savor their vocal harmonies sans microphones.  It certainly is no secret these fellas can sing and sing well but to hear them like that, organic and bathed in the afternoon glow of both sun and fan adoration, it was a special treat, no doubt.  In a set well-populated by great cover song choices Phish’s “Free” seemed to be a perfect addition.  I mean, I get it!  A FREE show, right?  Get it??  Yeah, the Dusters sure got it.  And we got a musically tight, vocally perfect version of a clear crowd favorite.  And we loved it.  Thanks for that little handout, boys!  A lively, grassy, foot-stomper sung by Andy Falco sped us headlong straight into a ripping instrumental closer (whose name, alas, I do not know).  This was absolutely the right choice for my afternoon.  And what a perfect way to celebrate the holiday:  with music and great weather and the ISD Jamily.  Talk about your musical appetizers!  That was definitely the way to prepare for more of the same later at The Boulder Theater.  Thanks for the free show, guys!  Top notch!!

The Infamous Stringdusters-18 April 2015-Boulder Theater-Boulder, CO

The Infamous Stringdusters

18 April 2015 - Boulder Theater - Boulder, CO

for The Lot Scene by Parker

The Infamous Stringdusters

Setlist:  Set One - Trashcan>Long Lonesome Day>Hillbillies, Get It While You Can, Home, Rivers Run Cold, Like I Do, Love One Another, PBD (for Georgia), Big River, Life Without a Care, HC Funk

Set Two - Peace of Mind>In God’s Country, It’ll Be Alright>Colorado, Try>Well Well, All the Same, Señor, No Rezo, Morning Bugle, Echoes of Goodbye, 17 Cents, Red Fox, He’s Gone, Mountain Town>Peace of Mind

Encore - Let It Go (with Trout Steak Revival)

Sufficiently primed and ready for some face-meltingly good bluegrass music thanks to Trout Steak Revival, I was more than ready for the Dusters when they walked out onto the stage and Jeremy began to saw away on his fiddle kicking things off with “Trashcan” into a bounding “Long Lonesome Day” from Booksy and straight into “Hillbillies”.  Three songs in and just like that and we were on the Stringdusters Express for the remainder of the evening. From very early on it was utterly apparent how much fun these men were having and intended to have on that Boulder Theater stage.  Throughout the night, from face to face one could see a menagerie of blissed-out expressions, each the epitome of joyous intensity and musical connection.  There is just something so special about the caliber of music produced by those who thoroughly and wholly enjoy the act of doing so.  And the Dusters are very much that kind of ensemble.  Travis Book was up next to dole out some sage life advice in “Get It” with the band sounding especially tight shoring up his soul-driven vocals.  “This next song is for all the river folk out there…” — a perfect Colorado introduction for “Rivers Run Cold”, a personal favorite of mine.  Speaking of Colorado, the band had so much love for our state both musically and verbally, taking to the mic at several points in the night to give special thanks to Boulder and to Colorado to express their love for state and her people.  It really made for a grateful evening on both sides of the stage, an experience that I am sure enriched both band and audience equally.  Who wants to hear a favorite song by a favorite guitarist?  You?  Well, OK then, which means it was Falco up on lead for “Like I Do” — taken at a rather faster tempo than I have seen in the past.  This quicker pace set the stage for a mammoth fiddle solo by Jeremy which made us all go a little nuts, suffice it to say there weren’t too many feet not dancing or stomping or bouncing to that quivering bow.  There was a particularly beautiful and sweet moment during the first set when the Dusters announced they had a special song for some special people in the crowd.  Turns out Georgia and Todd are superfans of the group and the band rewrote the lyrics of the song to play for them especially in honor of their anniversary.  Pretty cool, Infamous ones.  Pretty cool.  Making the requisite setlist room for the Man in Black, we got a very choice “Big River” helping round out this first set, replete with monster solo after monster solo after monster solo from every instrument.  Andy Hall jumped up to vocals for a swift “Life Without a Care” which was dominated by Falco’s mind-numbing soloing (not to mention that of every member of the band to boot) followed by and freaky, funky set-closing “HC Funk”.  A damn fine half of a damn good show.  Looking forward to telling you about the rest!

After a pause, the music juggernaut was back a-rollin’ with the second set opener “Peace of Mind” that seemingly finished with a serious instrumental jam leading smack dab into Jeremy crooning U2’s “In God’s Country”.  The boys jammed this song out and it gave me the opportunity to observe Travis following each soloist so intently, his expression one of pure focus and musical happiness.  Man, does that bass player love his job!  And why wouldn’t he, getting to sing songs like “It’ll Be Alright”, which he did for us next, as well as thrumming madly away to the following “Colorado” which, of course, elicited the appropriate maddened fervent response of the assemble Boulder crowd.  The hanging cloth backdrop resembling stone columns in the light they seemed the perfect setting for the sad and lonely “Try” which came next.  Then, it was Andy Hall’s rockin’ “Well Well” that brought us all back up to dancing levels again and we showed our thanks by pounding the floors with our still rowdy feet.  The jam in this song was phenomenal — I really cannot go back and listen to my notes enough.  So much amazing musicianship, so much quicksilver talent all in one group!  We ended up getting a really great cover of Tim O’Brien’s “Señor” with a jumping good energy, a really great dance tune.  Plus, it’s always, always nice to hear some Tim O’Brien.  Right?  Right.  And then it was some John Hartford, what luck!  Andy on vocals and the boys in the band sure did up “Morning Bugle” in fine fashion.  A truly blistering “Echoes of Goodbye” was followed by the less intense hoedown sound of “17 Cents” which got us all to stompin’ once again.  Not ones to let the set wind down with a whimper, the Dusters ripped it all wide open for a sizzling “Red Fox” instrumental which built to a mad frenzy and then exploded into hundreds of smiling faces beyond the stage.  One well-placed, final cover of the Dead’s “He’s Gone” got us all singing, even Paul Hoffman (Greensky Bluegrass) who was at the show and stopped to hang with us for a few songs.  Good times with a good friend.  “Mountain Town” punched things into high gear for a huge finish circling back around to complete “Peace of Mind” bringing the set full-circle and the remarkable show to a close.  We were all still reeling as a new mic was brought on stage only to be followed by the Stringdusters and Trout Steak Revival, invited back to sing the encore (mostly) a cappella.  Falco struck the chord and the first notes of “Let It Go” rang out followed by those oh-so-poignant words we could all stand to heed a little more often in life.  Such a wall of vocal sound, harmonies tight and beautiful, such a way to end a show.  What a night of incredibly good music and a great beginning to “Lot Mischief” collaborations.  I can hardly believe it was the first of two - makes me look very much forward to Monday!!