Joe Russo’s Almost Dead hit The Joy Theater for night two of their sold out shows at the historic venue last night, April 30th. With Marco Benevento unable to make it for these shows, the band had to tap keyboardist Jeff Chimenti (currently playing with Dead & Co) to sit in with the band for their two-night run. Chimenti has been part of the Grateful Dead family for years, and his presence added its own energy to the run.

Kicking things off with “Big Railroad Blues,” the band set the tone for what would be a high energy, face-melting night of Dead jams. Followed up by an intense and roller coaster of ride through “Let It Grow,” the band dropped into a fan appreciative “St. Stephen.” They dropped in an “I Know You Rider,” generating a major emotional response before bringing out “The Eleven” A slightly reggae-tinged “Estimated Prophet” got people grooving hard before a rocking “Deal” brought the set to a close.

Set two took form with a “China Cat Sunflower” > “Bertha” opener, which brought the crowds rushing inside for more great tunes. Dancing, twirling, hands in the air; fans were packed into the Joy, gratefully sharing the music of the Dead.

“Easy Wind” led into a body moving, booty shaking, smile inducing “Eyes of the World” > “New Minglewood Blues,” before slowing it down to give the crowd a breather with “Row Jimmy.” As to be expected, the guys brought the set to a close with a hard rocking version of the Dead classic “One More Saturday Night.”  The entire venue was on their feet and singing along with the band, ready to hit the streets of New Orleans. The show closed out with a wonderful sing-along “Brown Eyed Women” for an encore.

For the second year in a row, the Joy got to witness a two night run of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, which this fan, at the very least, hopes will become a Jazzfest tradition for years to come.

Check out a full audio recording from bonobeats below:

The full setlist can be seen below, courtesy of Peter Costello/Facebook:

Setlist: Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at The Joy Theater, New Orleans, LA – 4/30/16

Set 1 (10:00PM – 11:18PM)
Big Railroad Blues (TH) >
Let it Grow (SM)
St. Stephen (All) ->
I Know You Rider (All) ->
The Eleven @ (TH & JR) ->
Let it Grow Jam ->
Estimated Prophet (SM) ->
Deal (TH)

Set 2 (11:35PM – 12:57AM)
China Cat Sunflower (TH) ->
Bertha (TH)
Easy Wind (SM) # >
Eyes Of The World (TH) ->
New Minglewood Blues (SM) >
Row Jimmy (TH)
One More Sat Night (SM)
Enc:
Brown Eyed Women (TH)

Whole show with Jeff Chimenti on Keys. No Marco – he’s on tour with Dan Auerbach & The Arcs.
@ – With Estimated Teases (TH)
# – With “Dazed & Confused” (Led Zeppelin) teases & a “Jeff & Joe” Jam

A full gallery of images can be seen below, courtesy of Sam Shinault: