Bob Weir & Wolf Bros‘ winter tour is well underway, but this weekend’s shows at Atlanta Symphony Hall will mark a departure from the established formula: On Friday, Weir’s pack of Wolf Bros got a whole lot bigger for the outfit’s first of three performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to the full orchestra, the Wolf Bros roster for these special performances in Atlanta includes the Wolfpack along with Barry Sless on pedal steel. Stanford University professor and composer Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti provided original orchestration and Steven Reineke serves as the conductor for the symphonic Dead spectacle, which Weir hosted for the first time last fall at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Following an overture by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Bob Weir and the whole Wolf Bros family took the stage draped in black-tie elegance to begin the performance with a pairing of “Playing In The Band” and “Uncle John’s Band” that eventually slipped into the first verse of “Dark Star”. A cinematic orchestral rendering of Weir classic “Cassidy” brought the first set to a close.
The second set began with an enveloping run through “China Cat Sunflower” > “I Know You Rider” ahead of a gently swaying “Wharf Rat” that benefited greatly from its tasteful symphonic accompaniment. From there, Weir led the way through a grandiose take on the beloved “Terrapin Station” suite. The orchestra took its final bows and exited the stage following a moving “Stella Blue”, leaving Bobby Weir, his Wolf Bros, and the Wolfpack to let loose on a show-closing “Eyes of the World”/”What’s Going On” (Marvin Gaye) combo.
Watch a crowd-shot video of “Eyes of the World” > “What’s Going On”, check out the full setlist, and flip through a gallery of photos from the show via Jay Blakesberg below.
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros will be back in Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday night for two more unique orchestral performances. From there, the band will shed the symphony and head to Memphis (2/21) and Asheville (2/22) for concerts early next week. For a full list of upcoming Wolf Bros tour dates, head here.
Bob Weir & Wolf Bros ft. The Wolfpack – “Eyes of the World” > “What’s Going On” (Marvin Gaye) – 2/17/23
[Video: Slinkypossum’s Musical Freeforall]
Setlist: Bob Weir & Wolf Bros | Atlanta Symphony Hall | Atlanta, GA | 2/17/23
Set One: Overture [1], Playing in the Band [1] > Uncle John’s Band [1], Dark Star (Verse 1) [1], Cassidy [1]
Set Two: China Cat Sunflower [1] > I Know You Rider [1], Wharf Rat [1], Terrapin Station Suite [1][2], Stella Blue [1]
Encore: Eyes of the World > What’s Going On > Eyes of the World
[1] with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
[2] Lady with a Fan > Terrapin Station > Terrapin Transit > At a Siding > Terrapin Flyer > Refrain
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