The first show of the entire run.

Typically the traditional strategy is to ease in, find your bearings, and tune up the machine the first show. Play the songs you feel the most confident about. And as time goes by you progress into more adventure and risk.

This is not the traditional strategy.

The first set started off feeling like a "Gratest Hits" set with Truckin' and Uncle Johns band. But with Alligator, Born X eyed, and Cream Puff War coming in things began to feel more nostalgic in the most original way. And of course you have Viola Lee Blues which I have noticed is one of Phil's favorite tunes, he loves to play it. But the surprise came with them stretching it out. I thought "They are already stretching their legs? What does the 2nd set hold?" well I came to find out that Viola Lee was going to be shorter then the jams I was about to witness.

Also it's important to note the rainbow and the emotion felt. After a set of old tunes that were short lived live and mostly played in this very area in the humble beginnings of this great band. It was truly unforgettable.

Cryptical Envelopment was a perfect set opener after the feel of the first set. I was sure they were going to play the complete "That's It For The Other One" it only made sense. But that was not the case and Phil proceeded into his Dark Star bass riff. The response from the audience was not the eruption I was expecting. Maybe because it was assumed by many it would be played at Santa Clara and Chicago, but that wasn't the case. They really went for it, taking all the risk of stretching it out for a massive 30 minutes which is how long they would play it in the early 70's when they were young and on top of their game. It was a worthy send off with the over-embellished ending by Bobby. And to be honest the Bay Area deserved the final Dark Star as so much of it's history is there.

The calm after was the perfect segue into St Stephen which was positively owned by Trey. It is the perfect song to showcase his playing style and how he pulls the strings. Another great jam out of it reminiscent of 77' style Stephens. A rarity in What Has Become Of The Baby? Which came out of St. Stephen with a serene psychedelia that was so transporting.

The Drums were one of my favorite of all 5 shows. I think the most rhythmic ideas were executed during this segment it felt inspired.

The Other One took its ideal slot after Space not much to say except Bobby sang it well.

Other One melted into Dew in the way most great Dew segues do. It was strong and it is one of the best Dead set closers. Trey did it justice and gave it the respect it needed.

Casey Jones was.....Well Casey Jones what can I say?

These guys came out hot and hungry. Defying age (and at times showing it) but showing they meant business and that they want this to be special.

They dug extremely deep for this show. Deeper then most Grateful Dead shows ever got. And none of the shows after even got close getting as deep. This was a gift to the adventurous native dead fans and Jam aficionados. It is a show I will never forget.