Bob Weir and Phil Lesh reunited last night at San Franciscos Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The evening opened with a set by current Phil Lesh collaborator Jackie Greene and featured a number of the young singer/songwriters better known songs: Cell Block #9, Gone Wanderin’, I’m So Gone and Mexican Girl. Next up,
Weir and RatDog offered an extended performance opened with a jam leading into Shakedown Street, ran through familiar material like Easy Answers, Lazy River Road, Jack Straw and the Beatles She Says and closed with an anathematic Touch Of Grey. The group also offered beautiful acoustic renditions of both Friend Of The Devil and The Weight.

To the surprise of many, Lesh, Weir and RatDog drummer Jay Lane then took the stage for a trio set that consisted of Peggy-O, Black Throated Wind, an instrumental version of Dark Star and Little Feat’s Easy to Slip. Weir described the latter song at the end of the set as a ‘work in progress. As some might recall, Lesh and Weir recently explored the trio format with Phil & Friends drummer John Molo during the closing of the Warfield celebration.
After a short break, Lesh returned with a unique incarnation of Phil Lesh & Friends that consisted of Greene, Molo, Steve Molitz and Barry Sless (guitarist Larry Campbell opted out do to a previous commitment with Levon Helm on the East Coast). The quintet mixed material by Lesh, Weir and Jerry Garcia, including Bertha, Bird Song, Althea Terrapin Station, China Cat Sunflower, Born Cross-Eyed and

St. Stephen, before climaxing with a cover of the Rolling Stones Satisfaction. Phil Lesh & Friends then closed the evening with the lone encore of Viola Lee Blues.
Both RatDog and Phil Lesh & Friends will return to the Warfield this evening. Jackie Greene will once again supply opening duties.