Bob Weir Guests With Tom Hamilton’s American Babies In Mill Valley

Last night Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, California hosted the first of two consecutive performances from Tom Hamilton’s Tom Hamilton’s American Babies. The band was joined by Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir for the bulk of their performance on Friday.

The Doobie Decibel System trio of Roger McNamee, Dan Lebowitz and Jason Crosby kicked off the action with a set on Friday just as they will do on Saturday. Hamilton’s band was presenting a night heavy of Grateful Dead classics as part of their Masquerade Ball Of Light & Dark Tour. Weir emerged about 30 minutes into the Babies’ set and stuck around for just over an hour.

Bobby first led Tom Hamilton’s American Babies through three songs off his recently released Blue Mountain album: “Only A River,” “Lay My Lily Down” and “Gonesville.” Tommy then shared vocals with Weir on a lengthy “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo” after Bob had a brain fart when it came time to sing. The Grateful Dead guitarist then put his heart and soul into the Jerry ballad “Loser” before firing up a euphoric “Truckin'” > “Scarlet Begonias” > “Fire On The Mountain” sequence to end his time on stage.

Tom Hamilton’s American Babies focused on originals for the hour left in their performance after Weir’s sit-in and encored with the Dead’s “New Speedway Boogie” and “Touch Of Grey” featuring a reprise of the former within the latter. Hamilton brings the group back to Sweetwater tonight for two sets including guest spots from pianist Holly Bowling and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools. Tommy, Bobby, Schools, Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann and Dead & Company keyboardist Jeff Chimenti will come together at the all-inclusive Los Muertos con Queso destination concert event taking place in Riviera Maya, Mexico on January 25 – 28. Head here to enter to win a travel package.

Moonalice shared video of last night’s show with Weir emerging at 1:30:00 (Hat Tip – RatDog.org):