Phil Lesh opened an extensive fall tour—-his recent since recovering from cancer—-
this Saturday at Santa Barbara, CAs Santa Barbara Bowl with recent friends John Molo (drums), Jackie Greene (guitar, vocals), Larry Campbell (guitar/fiddle) and Steve Molitz (keyboards). The ensemble started its set with The Golden Road (to Unlimited Devotion) and preceded to offer a mix of songs from the Grateful Dead canon (including Loose Lucy, The Other One, Franklins Tower and Brokedown Palace), Greene originals and covers ranging from Bob Dylans Gotta Serve Somebody to the Rolling Stones Brown Sugar. Next up, last night Lesh and his group performed at Berkeley, CAs Greek Theater, where the bassist brought out some old Friends and acquaintances. First, onetime Phil Lesh & Friends member Barry Sless played pedal steel on Greenes Gone Wanderin’, Cumberland Blues and Greenes Supercede. Then, during his encore, Lesh brought out his former Other Ones collaborator, and occasional guest, Mark Karan for a show closing Goin Down The Road Feeling Bad. The RatDog guitarist is also currently undergoing treatment for cancer and has been off the road for the last few months. Phil Lesh & Friends will perform at Denver, COs Fillmore Auditorium this Friday.