The second set opens with Sugar Magnolia, and hearing the crowd erupt is spine tingling in itself. But more than a few people say that these are the best versions of Sugar Mags and Scarlet Begonias – which the opener segues into – and it would be hard to argue against the point. Big River keeps the energy and brilliant playing going before the boys slow things down – without losing any of the momentum – with To Lay Me Down. After a Me and My Uncle, an achingly beautiful Row Jimmy follows, with Donna providing some rich and layered backup vocals and Jerry continuing to kill it on guitar. But the very best part of the show – and one of the greatest Dead moments, dare we say – is the Weather Report Suite and the jam that comes out of it. With over thirty minutes of incredible licks and deep space, just about every theme is in there. There is definitely an element of Dark Star at numerous points and also a Mind Left Body and Heaven Help The Fool Jam. Whatever it all is, it is simply magical. There are a few more tunes that fill out the rest of the show that are sadly missing in our recording here, including a fun set closer of Sunshine Daydream, the first time it was played sans the rest of Sugar Mags. However, what we do have is more than enough for a deep listen. Fire it up!

Headgdhead on Archive says this about attending the show, “I was 18, skipped out of work early, hooked up with a couple of buddies and had no idea what I was in for! Floor seats 20 rows back right directly in front of Jerry and the Wall of Sound. By the 2nd chorus of Tennessee Jed I was on the bus for life.” Sounds about right to us.

Parts of the show were released as Dick’s Picks Volume 12.