Last Saturday here in Las Vegas, Phil Lesh and an amazing group of Friends took the stage at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Lesh’s impressive lineup of the evening consisted of the Blind Boys of Alabama, Jackie Greene, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, John Medeski, Junior Mack, Danielle Nicole, and JD Simo. This incredible ensemble played a 24 song, two-set show that showcased twists of the blues, some gospel, and a bit of funk all with the foundation of the Grateful Dead.
Opening the first set was a heavy hitting “Walkin’ Blues” and “Big Boss Man,” with vocals and guitar by Junior Mack. Set one weaved in and out of a couple of great Dead tunes, but closer to the end of set one, the audience was graced by the presence of the Blind Boys of Alabama for “People Get Ready,” “Down in A Hole,” “Nobody’s Fault But Mine,” and “Prayer for Peace.” To end set one, Jackie Greene took the lead vocals and band took us to setbreak with “Sugaree.”
Set two started right where the band left off and JD Simo took the lead vocals on “King Bee.” This set was littered with favorites like “You Don’t Love Me,” “Little Red Rooster,” “Higher Ground” (featuring the Blind Boys of Alabama), and an amazing “Friend of the Devil” and “Down By The Riverside” to end the set.
The encore featured Phil’s usual Donor Rap, and everyone joined in on “Going Down The Road Feeling Bad.” At one point in the encore there were 14 musicians on stage!
Phil Lesh and Friends continues to give audiences an amazing night of music and brought the heat to Sin City once again.
You can hear my full show audio from the show below and see the full setlist.
Phil Lesh & Friends @ The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas NV 5.4.19
Set 1:
Walkin’ Blues (1)
Big Boss Man (1)
I Ain’t Superstitious (2)
Same Thing (2)
Tennessee Jed (3)
New Speedway Boogie (4)
People Get Ready (5)
Down in A Hole (5)
Nobody’s Fault But Mine (5)
Prayer for Peace (5)
Sugaree (3)
Set 2:
King Bee (6)
Deep Elem Blues (4)
You Don’t Love Me (1)(6)
Mystery Train (1)
Little Red Rooster (7)
Amazing Grace (5)
Higher Ground (5)
Death Don’t Have No Mercy (2)
Wang Dang Doodle (2)
Deal (3)
Friend of the Devil (3)
Down By The Riverside (5)
E:
Donor Rap
GDTRFB (All)
Notes:
(1) Junior Mack vocals
(2) Danielle Nicole vocal
(3) Jackie Green vocal
(4) Cody Dickinson vocal
(5) Blind Boys of Alabama
(6) JD Simo vocals
(7) Luther Dickinson vocals
