Warren Haynes and Company Celebrate Jerry’s 74th Birthday in Morrison, CO

It’s not hard to enjoy a beautiful summer night at Red Rocks — and when you add Warren Haynes with Jerry Garcia’s old “Tiger” guitar (making its first public appearance since the last Grateful Dead show in July of 1995); The Colorado Symphony Orchestra; Jerry Garcia Band keyboardist Melvin Seals; and several other talented collaborators, you’ve got the makings of a very special night under the stars.

The Haynes-led evening featured two sets with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and a special third set that took in Melvin and a few guests. Highlights with the orchestra included crowd pleasing versions of “Bird Song,” “Crazy Fingers,”  “Scarlet Begonias,” “Shakedown Street,” “West LA Fadeaway,” “Blues for Allah,” “Terrapin Station,” “Slipknot,” Haynes’s own dedication to Jerry “Patchwork Quilt” and a much-appreciated version of “Ripple.” Warren’s core group consisted of  Lincoln Schleifer on bass, Jeff Sipe on drums,  Jasmine Muhammad (backing vocals) and former Jerry Garcia Band member Jaclyn “Jackie” LaBranch (backing vocals). 

The evening took off into dance mode when Seals made an entrance for the final set, displaying his legendary keyboard prowess on songs including a few JGB covers such as “Road Runner,”  “Stop That Train,” “Harder They Come” and “Don’t Let Go.” Haynes gave the Tiger a good workout in the final set, displaying his ability to lend his blues-grounded virtuosity to the jam-centered extravaganza.

Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration conductor (and talented saxophonist) Rich Daniels joined the final set for red-hot versions of “That’s What Love Will Make You Do” and “Fire On The Mountain.” Other guests included dobro player Anders Beck and guitarist Dave Bruzza (both of whom are members of Greensky Bluegrass) on “Don’t Let Go” and “Deal.” 

Set 1

Dark Star>Bird Song>Crazy Fingers, Shakedown Street, China Cat Sunflower, Scarlet Begonias, Morning Dew 

Set 2

Uncle John’s Band>West LA Fade Away, Black Peter>Drums>Touch Of Grey, Space>Blues For Allah>Terrapin Station>Slipknot>Terrapin Refrain>Terrapin Station 

Encore: Patchwork Quilt, Ripple 

Set 3

Jam, Roadrunner, Stop That Train, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Fire On The Mountain, Loser, The Harder They Come>Tough Mama>Don’t Let Go>Deal