Santa Clara, CA - June 28, 2015

I write Sunday night's review from 30,000 miles up in the air en route back to Boston from San Francisco. I am still tired, but my memory of the Santa Clara show is very much intact. It was Bobby's night, for sure. As Chris from Mill Valley said, "Bob came down from the mountaintop like the sound of thunder from Indra's lightning bolt." The omnipresent Shakti was evidenced by the opener "Feel Like A Stranger" followed by "Minglewood Blues" (one of the oldest tunes in the repertoire dating back to Mother McGree's Uptown Jug Champions). It was Bobby alright. 

I think the 1st set was a classic format that we know from so many of our bootlegs. I was hoping for a Hornsby "Loser"  and got it, then Trey rocked "Alabama Getaway". This set was longer than Saturday night. It could of ended there, but no, it kept going with an unusual first set rendition of "Black Peter" and a tight "Hell in a Bucket" closer. Phew, it was clear at intermission that they brought their A game and were responding to the lukewarm reviews from the Bay area papers. It was now or never; dew or die and Bobby was stepping up. Unbroken Jane said "The first set was why I became a Deadhead over 30 years ago."

The second set was even more special. The "Mississippi Half Step" 2nd set opener was crisp and sharp. It was serious Dead business and Phil was singing much better tonight. And when I felt the slightest vibration of Eyes my heart quivered  like I was 15. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Lastly, the Sugar Magnolia was blistering - one for the ages - with yellow sunshine exploding to multiple crescendos with Bobby firmly at the wheel. And as Nancy from San Fran said of the Brokedown encore, she had tears in her eyes remembering all the years combined of all the sweet memories of shows and friends. Whatta Birthday treat thanks Babe. Now onto to Chicago. 

Set One

Feel Like a Stranger

Minglewood Blues

Brown Eyes Women

Loose Lucy

Loser

Row Jimmy Row

Alabama Getaway

Black Peter

Hell in a Bucket

Set Two

Mississippi Half Step >

Wharf Rat >

jam>

Eyes of the World >

He's Gone >

drumz >

I Need a Miracle >

Death Have No Mercy >

SUGAR MAGNOLIA !!

encore: Brokedown Palace