Melvin Seals and JGB brought not only the newest iteration of the Jerry Garcia Band but the spirit of Captain Trips himself to the Stanley Theatre in Utica on Friday, October 17.

The essence of Jerry Garcia was alive and well as the audience of nearly one thousand strong took to their feet the instant the curtains opened to the appropriate sounds of “How Sweet It Is (to be Loved by You)” by Melvin and the band.

The historic Stanley Theatre was the perfect venue for a band such as JGB. The Baroque theatre, originally constructed in 1928, exudes the feel of an old friend just as the bands repertoire of American folk and Jerry Garcia Band favorites puts the audience in their comfort zone.

Amid the warm smell of colitis rising up through the air, throngs of people flocked to the aisles decked out in tie-dye and glowing wrist bands dancing in enraptured Grateful Dead style to the blues/funk/jazz/rock/jam fusion put forth by the band.

Melvin Seals was quite at home nestled behind his Hammond B-3 organ and keyboards as the audience erupted in applause and cheers any time there was a movement in a song that highlighted his skills on the keys.

Covering everyone from Sam Cooke to John Lennon and Bob Marley, lead guitarist and vocalist John Kadlecik put his own unique style on each song to the delight of the crowd.

The rhythm section was comprised of John-Paul McLean on bass and occasional lead vocals and the every happy and smiling Jeremy Hoenig pounding out the beat on the drums.

Nearly three hours after they took the stage, the band closed out the night with a rousing rendition of the Grateful Dead’s “Deal”, leaving the audience exhausted from the dance party but looking forward to the next show.

Melvin Seals and JGB -The Stanley Theatre, Utica, NY – Friday, October 17, 2025

Set 1: How Sweet It Is, Wonderful World, Bright Side of the Road, Mystery Train, Simple Twist of Fate, Cats Under the Stars, The Wheel, Drum World, Going Down the Road Feeling Bad

Set 2: Sitting in Limbo, Breadbox, Dear Prudence, New Speedway Boogie, The Other One, No Woman No Cry, Rosalie McFall, Sisters and Brothers, Deal