Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (1/2/16) Photos By Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Given the opportunity to see a variety of great music on the first Saturday night of 2016, I went to Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at The Capitol Theatre.


I made a good choice. Thanks O’C (s).


The band not only rekindled my connection with the Grateful Dead’s music, it also provided a heartfelt example of how great music can be when everyone puts there all in… or as I like to say, “fights for every inch”.


Echoing the old Dead adage, “If It’s Worth Playing, It’s Worth Playing Loud.”… Joe Russo and Company took great care to present the songs in a truly fresh and vibrant way.


Here’s a few specifics how:


1. A ragtime band warmed up the crowd and created a robust New Orleans style festive environment ripe for some good ole Grateful Dead music.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (1/2/16) Photos By Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

2. Breaking tradition of typical stage positioning with having its band members line up in a straight line across the stage.  The eerie forest trees and Wall-like decor (see picture below) provided an inviting backdrop for the music.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (1/2/16) Photos By Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

3. The rabid and “hard” playing accentuated the rock and roll edges of the Dead’s songs.  The passion in the first set on songs like “Alligator”, “One More Saturday Night” and, especially, “Throwing Stones” was off the charts good.


4. Although I sailed quickly post-show to Nyack’s Old Village Inn with my motley showmates, the band continued to play at the after party in Garcia’s front of the house bar.  Moving from the big stage to the barroom creates super opportunities for fans to connect with the band, and is becoming the norm for these guys at The Cap.

5. The band allowed Scott Metzger to get as crazy nuts as its lead man (Joe Russo).  His singing and guitar work were inspiring.  Check him out with Brooklyn’s WOLF!.


Scott’s pedal steel on Set Two’s “Candyman” was on the money (see pic above)!

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead @ Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY (1/2/16) Photos By Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Until next time… F.Y.W.