I bailed on a $275 ticket a few weeks ago to see Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY.

I have written before about the amazingly talented musicians (like Jrad) playing the Dead’s music in the post Jerry era (click here for my 2021 story entitled “The End of The Golden Road for This Dead Head”.)

Tonight at The Cap Melvin Seals and friends went against the grain, and thankfully so.

Tonight, group was anchored by Robert Randolph and John Kadlecik and dubbed as the Melvin Seals & JGB. The band shared a wonderfully presented interpretation of Grateful Dead frontman Garcia’s beloved side project. Kadlecik and Randolph had a serious groove going most songs, especially on the reggae/soul music tunes.

Here is the setlist.

The band hit all the right notes and entertained NYC fans with quintessential Garcia Band. Crusty Dead fans like myself (and my more decorated Head cousin, Bob) have always cherished the Garcia Band stuff even more than the non-Jerry Dead tunes.

Whatever your flavor it’s nice to have this choice…

Visit Melvin & JGB’s website for list of other shows in the area.

SIDE NOTE:

It is always so nice to see music friends at the Cap, especially musician Jonathan Strange making things always sound so great. You can often DJ Strange smiling wide behind one of the mixing boards any night of the week.

We all owe him a hand (a fist bump or hug works too.)

While I am throwing out love for the people that make the Cap go… photographer David Gray offers us a spectacular view. He captures better photos than we can get ourselves. These photos offer special post show memories in case your pics are lame. You can see David’s work at his website here. Watch the show, and leave picture taking to Dr Dave.