The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Dark Star Orchestra and The Zen Tricksters honored Jerry Garcia on the anniversary of his death Saturday at Hackettstown, NJs Mighty High Fest. Mighty High was conceived and produced by good folks at Create a Vibe and featured a number of intriguing collaborations throughout the day. Early in the evening, both New Riders drummer Johnny Markowski and Zen Tricksters drummer Dave Diamond joined Dark Stars Dino English and Rob Koritz for an extended drum segment.
Later in the evening, current DSO keyboardist, and onetime Tricksters, Rob Barraco sat in with his former bandmates for a few tunes including New Potato Caboose, while DSOs Lisa Mackey sang with The Tricksters on White Rabbit and I’ll Be with Thee. Donna Jean & the Tricksters Wendy Lanter, as well as, New Riders guitarist Mike Falzarano and bassist Ron Penque also joined the Tricksters for a few numbers.
The collaborations continued last night in Saranac Lake, NY. While at the Mountain Music Meltdown, The Tricksters brought Barraco and DSO guitarist John Kadlecik out for a choice version of Blind Faiths Can’t Find My Way Home. Kadlecik then remained onstage as Mackey emerged for a set-closing take on Jefferson Airplanes White Rabbit. Donna Jean & the Tricksters will appear at Laurelton, PAs A Bear’s Picnic this weekend, while Dark Star will play Garrettsville, OHs Nelson Ledges Quarry Park on August 29.