Rob Barraco Guests With Jerry’s Middle Finger In Malibu

Dark Star Orchestra‘s Rob Barraco recently sat-in with Jerry’s Middle Finger in Malibu. The keyboardist joined the Los Angeles-based Jerry Garcia Band tribute act at Malibu’s famed Casa Escobar on Friday night.

Barraco, the former Phil Lesh & Friends keyboardist, who was in town for one night between other tour commitments, let the crowd know they were in for a big night from the opening number. Rob delivered a monster solo during JMF’s take on the Allen Toussaint classic and JGB repertoire staple, “I’ll Take A Melody.”

The six-person band followed up with Garcia’s “Cats Under The Stars,” before Barraco unleashed another huge solo during JMF’s rendition of Lee Dorsey’s “Get out My Life Woman,” prompting loud cheers and love from the audience. Next up, JMF and their guest played Bob Dylan’s “Señor” and a bouncy “C’est La Vie” before bringing the set to a close with Jerry Band heavyweights “Run For The Roses” and “Deal.”

The beachside dance party continued with a rare “Lay Down Sally” opener to kick off the second set, before the sextet treated fans to a run of “Catfish John,” “Waiting For A Miracle” and “Think.” A raucous “Dear Prudence” followed, with incredible soloing and jamming between JMF’s lead guitarist Garrett Deloian and Barraco. The set was topped off with Jerry classics “Sugaree” and “Gomorrah,” leading to an explosive “Tangled Up In Blue” closer. The night ended with a very sweet and gentle encore of Eric Clapton’s “See What Love Can Do,” better known these days amongst Jerry fans after being featured on the Jerry Garcia Band’s 2019 box set, Electric On The Eel.

Earlier this year, JMF celebrated Jerry Garcia’s birthday by sharing the stage with Steve Kimock. Next, they play the Grate Room at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California on November 8.

Watch two-cam, fan-shot video featuring the opener “I’ll Take Melody” captured by Tibor Grunsfeld below:

Setlist

Set One: I’ll Take a Melody, Cats Under the Stars, They Love Each Other, Get Out My Life Woman, Señor, Cest La Vie, Run For The Roses, Deal

Set Two: Lay Down Sally, Catfish John, Waiting For A Miracle, Think, Dear Prudence, Sugaree, Gomorrah, Tangled Up In Blue

Encore: See What Love Can Do