I arrived in Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon, and headed straight to the Hoppestead campground where we had reservations. I only had tickets to the 4^th, so I set up my stuff, and decided to listen to the show on the radio station. After hearing the show, I was wondering If they had anything left to pull out, but I knew the answer to that question. I got up early, and made breakfast, and helped my neighbour get his battery charged and working, as he was having problems with it. I headed into the parking lot around noon. It was just a perfect day. The day before had been a lot hotter, so It felt good to have a little relief. The rain clouds hung low all day long, but seemed to realize we had a concert, so they held off. I made my way around the lot, and bought me a t-shirt, and it was time to head in. I grab my camera, and a few goodies, and head on inside.

I made it inside just before Ratdog came on, so I found a spot on the lawn and got ready to boogie. The Ratdog set was one of the best sets I have seen them play, ever. Bob was really on fire the whole weekend, and with Ratdog especially . Ratdog finished up, and I ran up the hill as fast as I could so I could check out the Jorma set on the second stage. I caught the last few tunes, which sounded great. I headed back down to the lawn, and ran into a guy who traded me my lawn for his pavilion stubs. He said he was down in the pavilion the night before, and wanted the lawn effect for the second night. I was so happy, I took my twenty first row ticket stub, and head down to the pavilion. Robert Hunter was finishing up his set as I found my seats. All of a sudden I look up in the sky to see a rainbow hung high in the sky. All I could think of, is that the big guy is looking down at us with a smile. I sat down and awaited The Other Ones.

SET 1

Jam > Cassidy: I called a Jackstraw opener, but this Cassidy was fine with me. I could tell It was going to be Bob’s night to shine. A solid sounding performance of this tune in my opinion.

Brown Eyed Women: I love this tune, and was waiting to hear it. Rob did a nice job as always on the vocals. Not jammed out, just a straight forward version.

Black throated Wind: Another one of my Bobby favorites. This tune got really intense as it progressed, and once again I could tell it was Bob’s night.

Eyes of the World: I think we all knew that we would get this one, but I thought they throw it in the second set. Not one of those ‘73 Eyes, but once again Rob did the vocals justice, and the rest of the boys were in total control.

Saint of Circumstance: Oh, I wish they would have given us the Sailor too, but Bob tore into this tune right out of Eyes. By the end of the tune Bob was just on fire. This tune REALLY got the crowd going for the first time that night. Solid to the bone.

Mountains of the Moon: Finally Phil steps up to the mic. I had heard this a few times on the Phil summer tour, but it was nice to hear the boys do it. Not to drawn out, as I could hear Fire headed in our direction.

Fire on the Mountain: Ok, honestly the first thing that went through my mind was “Oh, please don’t sing Mickey”. I remember the 1998 tour oh so well. Well, he sang it, but someone must have dropped the bomb to him after the 1998 tour, cause he tried something new. He didn’t rap it as much. As for the rest of the boys, there was a slight flub up on the second verse, but all in all a fun tune.

Jackstraw: Yes, here it was, ready set go. Half way through this tune the boys exploded. I haven’t heard a Jackstraw with this much intensity in a LONG time. I cant describe the chills that went through me, and the crowd singing along was just so much sweeter. Rob, and Bob took verses. This is by far the highlight of the first set for me. I can not say enough good things about this version. I was smiling from ear to ear, a perfect way to end the set.

SET 2

Space/Drums/Space: Oh Yes! I kept telling everyone If they pulled out the Darkstar yesterday, then tonight the Rhythm Devils will take us back to that world we love so much. Sure enough, the boys walked out and started jamming, when all of a sudden they just start to walk away. Mickey and Billy jump up out of there seats like they had been shot out of a rocket. You could tell they were waiting for this moment. I closed my eyes, and once again found myself trapped in space. This was another highlight of the evening for me, as I always loved the drums/space part of the show. Gotta love that rhythm section.

Playin in the Band: I knew we would get this one too, and it wasn’t a disappointment. Another solid tune, with Bob out in front taking control like… well you know. Its so good to see someone finally take charge of everything. They segued out of this tune, but I knew we would hear it again sometime later.

Banyan Tree: I heard this one on the 1998 tour as well. As soon as Bob began singing half of the pavilion sat down. I know its not a Grateful Dead tune, but its new and refreshing. I like this tune, and wouldn’t mind hearing it again.

The Wheel: Not bashing anyone, but this tune sounded the same as it did every time I have heard Phil do it. I love this tune, and wish there was something more that could be done with it. Very strong, just nothing new.

Playin in the Band: As I guessed they segued back into Playin, and it fit perfect. A nice job on everyone’s part. I really enjoyed hearing them go back into it. Very solid.

St. Stephen: I have heard my fair share of post Grateful Dead St. Stephens> Elevens, but this one was different. The boys seemed like they all locked into place on this tune. I haven’t heard a version this tight in a long time.

The Eleven: Bob just did a tremendous job on the vocals. The band sounded great, everything sounded perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Very solid indeed.

Terrapin Station: Ok, I wasn’t as happy as everyone else it seemed to hear this tune, but half way through I changed my mind. I have heard Phil and Friends do this, and I thought It would sound the same, but it didn’t. Phil did the vocals, and it was amazing. When it got to the “inspiration” part it seemed the whole place was just exploding with energy. This WAS the highlight of the show.

Let it Grow: This tune segued right out of Terrapin, and was in my opinion the tightest tune of the weekend. Bob simply amazed me, as he delivered the best post Grateful Dead “Let it Grow” I have heard. Honestly this one sounded better than some of the late 90’s versions. The Highlight of the WEEKEND for me.

Encores

Sugar Magnolia: Bob wasn’t ready to call it quits yet, and tears into this with full force. A great version that got everybody up on their feet. A stellar performance.

Uncle John’s Band: I enjoyed this one, but I cannot say it was anything to special. Phil did a good job on the vocals, but I wish maybe they would have let Bob, or Rob take a stab at it. Still, the music was very solid.

Box of Rain: Oh boy, I knew we would get this one. I was sailing on the sea of bliss. Hearing this as an encore behind Sugar Magnolia brought back fond memories of Solider Field 7/9/95, the last show. Phil did a great job, and sure as hell left me satisfied. “Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there”, indeed.

I made my way out of the venue while the encore was still playing, but could hear every note. I had heard about the "how long it took" the night before to exit the lot, so I got a head start, and was on the highway in minutes.

I can not describe how good it felt to have the boys back on stage again. There was the tour in ’98, but It wasn’t even close to this. It felt so much like old times again. I acquired a lot of respect for Jimmy Herring, Rob Barroco, and Jeff Chimenti. These guys out preformed themselves by far. There was a lot of pressure put on these guys, especially Jimmy, and like true champs they pulled it off with flying colors. All in all, this was THE BEST weekend of Grateful Dead I have had since Garcia left us. Everything just fit together so perfect. There wasn’t any problems with the crowd, everyone acted with respect, and kindness. The energy was flowing like it never stopped. Fall tour here I come.

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