Above: Eric Krasno, Music Hall of Williamsburg, 12/31/09. Photo by Phrazz

The members of the Soulive and Lettuce are often collectively known as The Royal Family. So it made sense that the two groups dubbed their two-night New
Year’s stand at Brooklyn, NY’s Music Hall of Williamsburg The Royal Family New Year’s Ball. The festivities kicked off on December 30 with performances by Lettuce drummer Adam Deitch’s current project Break Science, Lettuce and the classic Soulive trio (who performed in its original suits and hats without guests or a horn section).

Likewise, the groups’ show on December 31 featured Lettuce, Soulive, Break Science and an opening set by recent Soulive/Lettuce singer Nigel Hall. Throughout his performance, Hall was backed by Deitch, Lettuce/Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno on bass, Soulive keyboardist Neil Evans and guitarist John Natto. The musicians focused on material from Hall’s forthcoming solo album, which features contributions from the extended Royal Family. Natto also filled in for regular Lettuce guitarist Adam Smirnoff, who is currently on tour as part of Lady Gaga’s backing band (oddly enough, Lady Gaga played two shows in Miami on New Year’s Eve and was heavily rumored to sit in with Phish on New Year’s Eve).

Soulive performed at as the ball dropped and rang in the New Year with a James Brown medley with Hall). The group closed the night in its trio configuration and previewed two songs from its forthcoming Beatles cover record during its encore: “Eleanor Rigby” and “I Want You.” Break Science brought the night to a close.