Phil Lesh celebrated his birthday in style at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY last night. The Grateful Dead founding member turned 77 years young and put together quite the group of friends to mark the occasion.

Phil was joined by John Kadlecik on guitar and vocals, Joan Osborne on vocals and percussion, Jason Crosby on keyboards, Stanley Jordan on guitar and Mark Levy on drums.

The ensemble played a pair of sets with an extended encore where promoter and Capitol Theater owner, Peter Shapiro presented Phil with a birthday cake. Phil and his friends stuck mostly to Dead tunes, but tucked in a “Eleanor Rigby” tease and a “Stairway to Heaven” tease.

With the addition of Joan Osborne to the band, Phil and Friends busted out Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted.” The Motown classic was covered by Joan in the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown, 15 years ago.

After the cover-heavy first set, Phil and Friends dive into an awesome all-Dead second set with the exception of the Stairway tease. What a setlist!

1st Set
After Midnight
Mr. Charlie
Bertha
Broken Arrow
Sound Of Silence Jam >
Jam >
Eleanor Rigby Jam
What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted
Box Of Rain

2nd Set
Shakedown Street
New Speedway Boogie >
The Other One >
Stairway To Heaven Jam >
Sugaree
Terrapin Station >
I Know You Rider
Not Fade Away

Encore:
Phil Thanks
Happy Birthday Phil
Phil Donor Rap
Turn On Your Lovelight >
Happy Birthday Phil >
Turn On Your lovelight
Band Introductions

Thanks to Z-Man for coming North and capturing this great recording!

Photo credit: Marc Millman