The first set was off the charts, but the second half is just as nutty, starting with a fantastic Dancin’ In The Streets. The band comes together for an extended vocal vamping jam before they just light off on a monster instrumental one. From the Dancin’, the band switches gears completely to a surprising second set Dire Wolf. And the mellow little ballad provides a surreal counterpoint to the Estimated Prophet that follows as well, as the Dead go right back to shredding. And after unleashing all that power in Estimated, they take a mesmerizing jam into a bright and beautiful Eyes Of The World. The drummers then lead the way to Not Fade Away, which is as tight and inventive as any you will come across and goes on for a righteous long time. The Dead do finally leave NFA for Wharf Rat, which proves to be its own slice of perfection with Jerry’s pensive, deliberate delivery contrasting with his towering runs. And then the boys rock out the set with a radiant rendition of Chuck Berry’s Around And Around.

There was no encore on this night; perhaps the Dead were a little miffed at the crowd. Despite the incredible brilliance of the playing on this night, those who were there report that the Oklahoma crowd was lifeless, sitting in their seats and not returning any of the energy the band was giving off. So as good as this show is, just imagine what might have been had the audience given a little more in return, further fueling the band’s fire.