If the first night of the Grateful Dead‘s Fare Thee Well shows was any indication of what is to come, then we are in store for some magic over the course of the five-night celebration of the band’s fifty year career. The Core Four of Lesh, Weir, Kreutzmann and Hart, along with Trey Anastasio, Bruce Hornsby, and Jeff Chimenti took the stage for a “Truckin'” opener that accentuated what a long, strange trip this all has truly been for a band that has meant so much to so many fans over the years.

While there may have been some brief moments of hesitation, and need to let things flesh themselves out, the night was filled with several highlights as well. Namely, a first set ending “Viola Lee Blues” which saw a deep jam bring Lesh, Weir, and Anastasio together in the middle of the stage before the final jam ended the set. There was also a stunning rainbow hovering above Levi’s Stadium which could certainly be seen as a sign from above that through all the trials and tribulations of putting this major event together, someone up above was giving his nod of approval, namely Jerry, of course.

“Dark Star” showcased a psychedelic jam, which eventually led into “St. Stephen” and allowed Hornsby to trade lyrics with Lesh. A surprising choice of the night was “What’s Become Of The Baby” which was played for only the second time in the band’s history; the only other time was April 26th, 1969 at the Electric Theater in Chicago. The “Morning Dew” to end the set was majestic, and proved why Anastasio is the right choice to take lead duties with this band during the Fare Thee Well celebration; there is no guitar player out there better suited to take on this task.

 

The Grateful Dead Levi Stadium 6.27.2015ALERT! Trey Anastasio absolutely KILLS ITon Morning Dew his playing Legendary !

Posted by Martin Singer on Sunday, June 28, 2015

The show came to an end with a “Casey Jones” encore. The run continues tonight in Santa Clara, and then will move on to Chicago’s Soldier field for a 3-night run over July 4th weekend.

The Complete Guide To Grateful Dead Chicago Pre- And Post-Parties

 

Fare Thee Well Night One Setlist – Santa Clara, CA
Set One: Jam -> Truckin’, Uncle John’s Band, Alligator -> Cumberland Blues, Born Cross-Eyed > Cream Puff War, Viola Lee Blues

Set Two: Cryptical Envelopment -> Dark Star -> St. Stephen -> The Eleven -> Turn On Your Love Light -> Drums/Space -> What’s Become Of The Baby -> The Other One – > Morning Dew

Encore: Casey Jones

 

[courtey of 1bionicleking]

[cover photo courtesy of Andrew Goodwin]