CHARLOTTE, NC — The frosty Charlotte air couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd as they poured into the venue, seeking refuge from the winter chill and eager to be transported to the sun-drenched jams of The Grateful Dudes. The band, true to their mission, wasted no time in igniting the room, launching straight into a body-thumping rendition of “Cold, Rain and Snow.” The song’s icy imagery melted away as the band segued seamlessly into the hopeful promise of “Promised Land” and the foot-stomping energy of “Jack A Roe.” The packed room, initially bundled against the cold, began to shed layers, not just of clothing, but of inhibitions, as the music worked its magic.
By the time the band reached the heart-wrenching beauty of “Mississippi Half Step,” the crowd was a primed and pulsating organism, ready to be swept away by the emotional tide. And then, a surprise: William Kirkwood stepped in, his vocals adding an extra layer of soul to one of the most captivating renditions of “Althea” I’ve heard in a long while.
The energy remained high as the band cranked up the tempo for a rowdy “Brown Eyed Women.” The entire dance floor transformed into a sea of swirling limbs and joyous abandon. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the timeless power of the music to unite strangers in a shared moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The infectious energy continued with fan favorites like “Tennessee Jed,” “I Know You Rider,” and the ever-anthemic “Ramble On Rose,” each song a well-worn path leading deeper into the heart of the Grateful Dead’s sonic universe.
The first set, extended perhaps due to the slightly delayed start, culminated in a personal highlight for me: Tangled Up in Blue. The song’s bittersweet poetry, delivered with both grit and tenderness, resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a sense of bittersweet satisfaction as the lights dimmed, signaling the end of the first act.
Jolene Roderick
Jolene is a multi-talented individual with a deep love for music, art, and all things creative. She is an avid concert-goer, illustrator, writer, marketing freelancer, photographer, and web designer. Her passion for music extends to the local scenes in Colorado and Charlotte, as well as bluegrass, funk, and jamband music from all over the world.