Holly Bowling and Tom Hamilton’s American Babies teamed up for a double bill earlier in the summer at the Ardmore Music Hall, outside of Philly. Holly Bowling did a solo set of Dead and Phish songs and then joined Tom Hamilton’s American Babies for a set.

Thanks to Chris Cafiero, we have HD video and SBD audio productions of both performances!

When not playing with his band, Hamilton is on lead vocals and guitar for Joe Russo’s Almost Dead and Holly Bowling plays gorgeous interpretations of Grateful Dead tunes (as well as Phish) on the piano. In a post-Grateful Dead world, Tom Hamilton and Holly Bowling are two of the best musicians on tour to bring the Dead’s music to generations to come.

For the American Babies performance, Hamilton lead the group through a rocking set that included originals like “Synth Driver” as well as a couple of Dead tunes. The first Grateful Dead cover to come out was an American Babies staple—”Mississippi Half-Step.” For the encore, Holly, Tom and the Babies treated Philly to a no holds barred version of “Deal” that brings down the house. You can fast forward the video to 1:11:15 to see the cover of “Deal.”

Here is the Holly Bowling opening set

Tom Hamilton’s American Babies with Holly Bowling Setlist
Set 1: This Thing Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere, State Police*> Bring it in Close, Old Time Religion> Joeline, Mississippi Half-Step, Synth Driver
Encore: Deal
*”Let’s Start a Gang” jam