On the day of Phil Lesh’s passing I was headed to Phish in Albany for their Divided Sky benefit. I got out my car and headed to Shakedown, where a crunchy head offered me a balloon when I heard the news. The vibe of the day was somber, thankful, and full of gratitude.
Yes, many were very sad to hear the passing of the beloved Phil Lesh, but most were happy to have experienced his magic at all. Phish honored the legendary Lesh by opening their set with “Box of Rain;” many tears were shed.
Fast forward to what would’ve been Phil’s 86th birthday, March 15, he is still being honored and celebrated. Grahame Lesh brought a rotating cast of friends to the Capitol Theatre for four days of Unbroken Chain, to honor his father. The third night, March 16, featured Jackie Greene, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Steve Molitz, John Molo, Karl Denson, and Tom Hamilton.
Not many other places hold such a profound fondness for the Grateful Dead & Phil Lesh other than the legendary Capitol Theatre. Phil’s picture is displayed in the lobby and has been for months. The energy within these shows was palpable and displayed a community coming together to honor one of their beloved fallen members. A street was even renamed Phil Lesh Lane.
The night started off with “China Cat Sunflower” featuring impressive syncopation and a delightful surprise of Karl Denson on saxophone. Next was “Deep Elum Blues” a traditional bluesy tune. The rest of the set included a psychedelic “Here Comes Sunshine” and a classic “Mississippi Half Step-Uptown Toodeloo”. The set included masterful solos and concluded with a fan favorite, “Sugaree.”
The second set kicked off with a cult classic “Shakedown Street”. Bones were shaking all around and the Cap was booming with life. The second set included one of the most iconic and commercialized song of the Dead catalog, “Truckin”. Tom Hamilton sat in on several songs adding that electric, energetic umph to several songs. Highlights included “So Many Roads”, “Cosmic Charlie”, and the conclusion of the second set with “I Know You Rider”.
The band encored with “Sugar Magnolia”. But before that Grahame took the stage to continue a tradition set by his father, the Donor Rap. Not only is Grahame keeping his father’s legacy of live, playing his music, and honoring him in a great way, he is also continuing to preach the values that ultimately saved his father’s life. Phil Lesh’s legacy was truly honored and celebrated, and will live on forever in the hearts of Deadheads and generations to come.
Unbroken Chain – a Tribute to Phil Lesh – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester – Sunday, March 16, 2025
Set 1: China Cat Sunflower, Deep Elum Blues, Here Comes Sunshine, Sitting on Top of the World, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, Mississippi Half- Step Uptown Toodeloo, Sugaree
Set 2: Shakedown Street, Pride of Cucamonga, Truckin’, Caution (Do Not Stop on Tracks), So Many Roads, When I Go Away, Cosmic Charlie, I Know You Rider
Encore: Sugar Magnolia
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