Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter played a short set of acoustic originals Saturday at Wetlands Preserve in New York City. It was the clubs final night of music after nearly 13 years and Hunters first performance in almost two years. Playing here is a way to express some kind of one-ness with the city,’ he told the New York Daily News. ‘So I decided to un-retire.’ The night included a long list of musicians, some of which had been announced late last week, such as Justin Wallace of ulu, Joe Russo of Fat Mama and Topaz. Unannounced performers included Fuzz, Hope and Bryan Smith of Deep Banana Blackout, Jen Durkin and members of Conscious Underground and Jeff Mattson of Zen Tricksters, among many others.
Saturdays show really came together in just a couple of days, says Wetlands owner Peter Shapiro. It was just about having regulars from the club perform. Theres no better way to open the night than with the father of the scene kicking it off and kind of blessing the club. Having Robert come play Ripple, Terrapin Station and Box of Rain was very appropriate. It all came together just a couple hours before the show and that was also fitting for Wetlands.
The show lasted until nearly 6 a.m. Sunday morning. Larry Bloch, the clubs founder and original owner, then took over in the DJ booth and spun tunes until 8:15 a.m. There was more than 100 people still dancing at the end.
There are currently no plans to re-open Wetlands at a new location, although Shapiro has not ruled out the possibility. Well see what happens in the future. Theres a lot of legacy here. Were going to take a break for while and let it sink in. I feel really good with what we were able to do. Well see what happens down the road.