Mavis Staples, Kevin Morby, David Rawlings & More Join Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats At Holiday Show In Denver

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats returned home to Denver on Wednesday for their first of two consecutive 20th Anniversary Holiday Shows at the Mission Ballroom. Mavis Staples, Kevin Morby, David Rawlings and Julie Davis each made guest appearances during the festive concert.

The Colorado-based soul outfit presented a total of three sets on Wednesday, including a third set dedicated to a complete performance of the group’s self-titled 2015 debut album in honor of the LP’s 10th anniversary. Staples made multiple appearances with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

Mavis Staples dueted with Nathaniel Rateliff on the Pop Staples tune “Friendship.” Staples also teamed with Kevin Morby to front Rateliff & The Night Sweats on “Beautiful Strangers.” The legendary soul singer’s version of the song, which was written and originally recorded by Morby, was the lead single from Mavis’ recently released album Sad & Beautiful World.

“Thank you for singing my song on your new album,” Morby exclaimed ahead of the “Beautiful Strangers” performance. “I couldn’t help but sing that song. That song is so beautiful and I just couldn’t help but sing it Kevin,” Staples responded before adding, “You are the world’s greatest songwriter!”

Kevin Morby was appreciative and awe struck by the high praise. “Now I’m too nervous to sing this song,” Morby quipped in response.

Watch Mavis Staples and Kevin Morby perform “Beautiful Strangers” with Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats via fan-shot video below:

Another highlight of the concert was a version of The Band’s “The Weight” featuring Mavis Staples, David Rawlings, Julie Davis and Kevin Morby. Staples sang the first verse before Rateliff handled the second verse, Davis helmed verse three and Morby belted out the fourth verse. Mavis Staples was back in the spotlight for the final verse.

Denver singer-songwriter Julie Davis, who has a long history of collaborating with Nathaniel Rateliff, helped spread the yuletide cheer by performing covers of the holiday classics “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with the Night Sweats. Morby also contributed to the latter. Additionally, Davis paired up with Rateliff for a take on his 2010 single “Early Spring Till.”

Watch more audience-captured footage of collaborations at the opening night of Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ 20th Annual Holiday Show run:

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are back at Mission Ballroom tonight. Once again, Mavis Staples will perform with the band. “Special surprise guests” are expected.