Phil Lesh & Friends With Jorma Kaukonen Kick Off Capitol Theatre Run

Phil Lesh & Friends played the first of two concerts featuring special guest Jorma Kaukonen at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on Tuesday night. Jorma had a handful of opportunities leading the group, who focused solely on gems from the Grateful Dead repertoire.

In addition to Phil and Jorma, the band included guitarist Grahame Lesh, drummer John Molo and keyboardist Rob Barraco. It was Barraco who led the group through “Here Comes Sunshine” to start. Then, Phil sang “Cold Rain & Snow” before passing the baton back to Rob for “Loose Lucy.” An expansive “Bird Song” was then followed by Jorma fronting the quintet on “Smokestack Lightning.” Next, Grahame served as lead vocalist for “Alabama Getaway.” The set concluded with a Kaukonen-sung “Operator” and celebrator “In The Midnight Hour.”

Last night’s second set began with a seamless run of “Playing In The Band” into “All Along The Watchtower” into “Viola Lee Blues.” Then, Kaukonen shined on “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” which gave way to “New Speedway Boogie.” The five-piece jammed “New Speedway” into “I Know You Rider” and then reprised “Playing In The Band.” Phil Lesh & Friends and Jorma brought the frame to a close with “The Wheel” and “Liberty.” For the encore, Phil and his mates presented a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking On Heaven’s Door.” The band returns to The Capitol Theatre tonight and a live stream is available via The Relix Channel.

Pro-Shot Video Shared by Relix

Here Comes Sunshine, Cold Rain & Snow, Loose Lucy