On Wednesday night, California Kind hit the iconic San Rafael, California venue Terrapin Crossroads for a special performance featuring Phil Lesh and David Nelson. The California-based jam band has a unique set up, with jam veterans Barry Sless (David Nelson Band, Phil Lesh, Moonalice, Cowboy Jazz), Pete Sears (David Nelson Band, Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna, Moonalice), John Molo (Phil Lesh, David Nelson Band, Bruce Hornsby, Moonalice), and Rob Barraco (Phil Lesh, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Robinson) teaming up with singer/songwriter/guitarist Katie Skene.
During their show last night, California Kind showcased what they’re all about, offering up originals and covers that highlight the group’s penchant for a diverse blend of genres, including Americana, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, twang, roots, and southern soul and explosive and innovative improvisation. During the band’s first set, the Grateful Dead bassist, Phil Lesh, and New Riders of the Purple Sage guitarist and vocalist, David Nelson, came out, with the set closing out with a string of favorite Dead tunes, “Ramble On Rose”, “Friend Of The Devil”, and “Bird Song”. While Phil left after the first set, this did not stop the group from continuing mixing Grateful Dead tunes into their setlist, with the band offering up takes on “New Minglewood Blues” (originally by Noah Lewis) and “Franklin’s Tower” during their second set, which focused more on original tunes.
You can check out a stream of the band’s performance with Phil Lesh and David Nelson below, courtesy of David J. Zuckerman.
Setlist: California Kind | Terrapin Crossroads | San Rafael, CA | 5/2/2018
Set One: Rising Sun, Too Much Water, Higher Ground > Lost Ones, Tennessee Jed, Don’t Let Me Down, Ramble On Rose, Friend Of The Devil > Bird Song
Set Two: Minglewood, Different World > Talkin’ Back > Edge of the Wire, Any Naked Eye, Franklin’s Tower, Low Spark > Goodnight Irene
Set One (with Phil Lesh and David Nelson)
Set Two
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