Reviews
Another weekend in the Denver Metro area has come to a close and was once again filled with epic, sold out shows that brought music lovers by the thousands to our most favored venues. Red Rocks saw two great nights of the annual Tedeschi Trucks Band, while Planet Bluegrass hosted their annual RockyGrass Festival, celebrating their 50th, and bringing all manner of living legends out for the birthday festivities.
Vermont's jam rock titans Phish unleashed a raging inferno at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland last Saturday, complete with rare songs and teases. This included a song that was played depending on who answered the question. They are waist deep in their 2022 summer tour, and continue to bring exciting and fresh jams night after night.
Widespread Panic finally kicked off their five night stand at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY last Thursday, after two rounds of cancellations from COVID-19. The community finally got their chance to convene in the storied Upper West Side venue to hear their favorite southern jam rock tunes. The music was certainly worth the wait, as this six piece squad from Athens, Georgia crushed round one.
Phish returned to the home of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, for a blast from the past set list last Friday in Bethel, NY. The beautiful weather yielded a mild evening in a historic and natural setting that the Vermont based quartet has not played in since 2011. They certainly channeled the peaceful vibes and delivered a set full of classics.
Carlos Santana returned to the stage with his band for an emotional and astounding marathon concert at the California Mid-State Fair on Saturday, July 23rd. The show was exceptional for many reasons, but primarily because it took place at all. On July 5th, the now 75-year-old icon fell ill during a performance in Michigan, and his wife (drummer in the band) reported that he collapsed due to heat and dehydration.
The String Cheese Incident rolled into their final night of their annual Red Rocks run with all cylinders firing, and while it was with utmost disappointment the band announced Phil Lesh would no longer be joining them due to a positive COVID test, a “good friend” would be stepping in to support and honor the music and spirit of the Grateful Dead.
First performance together since both bands (The String Cheese Incident + Leftover Salmon) have been inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in the Official Class of 2021.
Show covers include The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley.
Full setlist at the end of the article. Key below for reading.
* = w/ @leftoversalmonmusic
FTP (First Time Played): New Speedway Boogie, Dear Mr. Fantasy
Baked Shrimp, the power funk rock trio from Long Island, NY, delivered a tasty pre-weekend dance party at Garcia's in Port Chester, NY last Thursday. They are in the midst of a fifty one date summer tour, and were firing on all cylinders.
Live Rowdy, Live Loudly, Stay Up Late, Make Peace, Make Music. These words are the mission statement of Leftover Salmon as they have inspired and helped pave the way for many bands to break free of traditional bluegrass and explore the genre in a more contemporary direction. As a fan, photographer, and writer it seems the band's intentions are simply this - we will melt your face, open your mind and heart with artistic expression, and spread as much love and positivity as we can in the process.
