The Weight Band—featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band—stopped by Brooklyn Bowl on Friday with support from Pressing Strings. The band played classics from The Band as well as songs by the Grateful Dead, Gregg Allman, and more.
The Weight Band is led by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. The group also comprises Brian Mitchell (The Levon Helm Band), Michael Bram (Jason Mraz), Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts Band), and Albert Rogers (The Jim Weider Band). Together, they have carried on the legacy of The Band since forming at Levon Helm’s Woodstock barn, a.k.a. the famed Levon Helm Studios, in 2013. The band performed at the legendary venue, which was the location of Helm’s famous Midnight Ramble concerts, the night after its show at Brooklyn Bowl.
Related: New Levon Helm Book Chronicles Legendary Midnight Ramble Concerts
Following an opening set from indie folk soul trio Pressing Strings, The Weight Band played a set featuring The Band classics like “Ophelia”, “Rag Mama Rag”, “Look Out Cleveland”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, “The Shape I’m In”, and more. The group also included original material from World Gone Mad and other covers including “Deal” by Jerry Garcia and “Come and Go Blues” by Gregg Allman.
The Weight Band capped off the show with a pairing of The Band’s “The Weight”, from which the band gets its name, and “New Speedway Boogie” by the Grateful Dead. View the full setlist below.
Check out video from The Weight Band at Brooklyn Bowl below, and scroll down to view a gallery of photos courtesy of photographer Maggie Miles.