Phil Lesh Returns To Terrapin Crossroads & Schedules 80th Birthday Run In Port Chester

While Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh was out of action for the last five months of 2019 to undergo and recover from back surgery, he’s already taken the stage in 2020. Phil led a performance at Terrapin Crossroads’ Beach Park on Wednesday afternoon and will return to his San Rafael, California venue’s Grate Room tonight. Additionally, Phil will take part in a three-day celebration of his 80th birthday at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York on March 13 – 15.

Phil was joined by guitarists Stu Allen and Lebo (Dan Lebowitz), multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby and drummer John Molo for two sets on New Year’s Day. Lesh and his band opened the first frame with “Jack Straw.” A quick run through “Big Railroad Blues” was followed by a “Friend Of The Devil” featuring Phil on lead vocals. Stu then fronted the group on “Stagger Lee” before Lebo belted out “Deal.” Phil and his mates closed out the set with an expansive version of “Viola Lee Blues.”

Yesterday’s second set began with a gorgeous “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo.” Lebo then moved over to pedal steel for “The Wheel” ahead of a “Here Comes Sunshine” that gave way to “China Cat Sunflower.” The quintet said farewell with a rollicking “Shakedown Street.” Watch fan-shot video of “Shakedown” captured by knowiknowuryder:

Lesh’s March run at The Capitol Theatre in honor of his 80th birthday will feature a Phil Lesh & Friends lineup(s) that won’t be revealed until the band hits the stage. “The shows will feature various lineups of old and new friends,” as per a note from the venue. Tickets go on sale this Friday, January 3 at 12 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster. Read a statement regarding tickets for the postponed Phil-O-Ween run below:

If you held onto your tickets (excellent thinking!) from Phil Lesh’s postponed Phil-o-Ween shows, those tickets will be honored sequentially for these corresponding new dates. Please bring your original tickets for entry. Anyone unable to make the rescheduled dates can request a refund at point of purchase. Please see honored dates below. Thursday 10/31/19 tickets will be honored for Friday 3/13/2020 Friday 11/1/19 tickets will be honored for Saturday 3/14/2020 Saturday 11/2/19 tickets will be honored for Sunday 3/15/2020 If you want to obtain a refund or you are unable to attend the new date, refunds are and will be available at your point of purchase. If you purchased your tickets via Ticketfly please call (877) 435-9849. If you purchased your tickets via Ticketmaster please call (800) 653-8000 or check your options here. If you purchased physical tickets from The Capitol Theatre Box Office and would like a refund, you will have to return to the Box Office with your tickets for a refund.

Fan-Shot Videos (via Deadheadland)

Set One

Set Two