Raising The Dead returned to the Watermark in St. Clair Shores for our first show on their dock, and it was a long, crazy, crazy night!  We played 3 sets of music from 8 to midnight, and spiced our show with some of the Dead's most challenging and fun-to-play songs along with a healthy heap of exploratory improvisation.  We were excited to see so many of our most faithful fans there - including Sydne, Stephanie, Erik, Michael - and their energy and excitement helped propel us through our set.  We were also joined by the excellent drummer and human being Brent Nagy for this gig, and he laid down a fat and funky groove all night long. 

Set I started with the crowd pleasers Black Throated Wind, Brown Eyed Women, and Row Jimmy, got some 2-step action with Jack-A-Roe.  Brent helped fill in the third harmony with The Wheel and So Many Roads, and Cassidy closed the set with an exploratory jam that made our intentions for the evening clear.  After a short break, we retook the stage with a rockin' Jack Straw, followed by one of our current favorite compositions, Unbroken Chain.  Big River was our funky mid-set reset, and then we really let it go with Weather Report>Let It Grow, which featured some crazy Moog-on-Strat action.  Dave almost forgot to play Touch of Gray, which seems... Appropriate? 

It was the third set that really showcased our improv skills, as we navigated some of the Dead's best vehicles for getting "there."  Help>Slip>Frank, a 18-minute Dark Star, the Raising The Dead debut of Estimated Prophet, and a beautiful Eyes of the World that melted into Uncle John's Band all featured some of our best playing yet.  We topped the cake with the perfect pair of pairs, Sailor>Saint and Scarlet>Fire.  As the evening drew to a close, we wiped the fish flies from our equipment and packed up satisfied in a gig well done.  Thanks to everyone who came out and danced on the dock.  We'll be back Labor Day weekend to do it again!  In the mean time, come to Gibraltar on July 3rd to wave that flag and enjoy the fireworks both on stage and after dark.

6-27-2019 Watermark Bar & Grille, St. Clair Shores, MI

I: Black Throated Wind, Brown Eyed Women, Row Jimmy, Jack-A-Roe, The Wheel, So Many Roads*, Cassidy
II: Jack Straw, Unbroken Chain, Big River, Weather Report Suite>Let It Grow, Touch of Grey
III: Help On The Way>Slipknot>Franklin's Tower, Dark Star, Estimated Prophet*>Eyes of the World>Uncle John's Band, Lost Sailor>Saint of Circumstance, Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain
*=First time played

Photos: Sydne Kasle and Michael Chojnowski

On a beautiful summer solstice, Raising The Dead returned to Trixie's in Hamtramck for an evening of Grateful favorites. We were joined again by Nick Serocki, who most Detroit Deadheads recognize as 1/2 of the drum duo from Deadicated. The show was attended by some of our favorite frequent flyer fans including Sydne, Stephanie, and John.

Together, we worked our way through an 80-minute first set, with standout versions of Sugaree, Looks Like Rain, and Terrapin Station. Set 2 always includes fewer songs than we plan - because once the jams take over, playing the song we're on takes precedence over playing the song we planned to do next. Still, we laid down a big Shakedown, gave the Mississippi solos their due, and spaced out a pretty Bird Song. The highlight of the set is a energetic, drum and bass fueled Playin' in the Band - if you listen to just one song, that's the one.

We hope to return to Trixie's soon, but in the mean time, our summer concerts continue this week at The Watermark in St. Clair Shores. We hope to see you there!

6/21/2019 Trixie's Bar, Hamtramck, MI

I: Bertha, Althea, Dire Worf, Sugaree, Scarlet Begonias>Fire On The Mountain, Looks Like Rain, Brown Eyed Women, Terrapin Station
II: Shakedown Street, Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo, Goin' Down the Road Feelin' Bad>Bird Song, U.S. Blues, Me and My Uncle, Playin' In The Band, Deal

We're playing out a lot this summer, come dance with us! RSVP on facebook page.