On the weekend of March 22, 2025, Grahame Lesh & Friends took to the stage at Garcia’s Chicago, continuing their performance series with an impressive set that paid tribute to the Grateful Dead’s rich musical legacy. The ensemble, featuring Justin Mazer, Damian Calcagne, Adam Minkoff, Nathan Graham, Brian Rashap, and special guests Daniel Donato and Nicki Bluhm, captivated the audience with a blend of Grateful Dead favorites and unexpected surprises.
A truly unique moment during their March 22 performance came when the band played “Equinox”, a song written by the late Phil Lesh but never before heard live. The song, which was initially written by Lesh for Jerry Garcia to sing, was never officially released or performed by the Grateful Dead. It had long been a musical oddity, often called “Mercy of a Fool” in bootleg lyric lists, but as whitegum.com notes, its true title is “Equinox.” In a fascinating tidbit from Grateful Dead history, Bobby Weir once described the song as too long to fit onto an album during the band’s recording sessions, with the track clocking in at over six minutes—too long to include without crowding other material on the album.
The performance of “Equinox” was particularly poignant, as it occurred just days after the spring equinox on March 20, adding a layer of symbolism to its live debut. The performance was a perfect way to honor both Phil Lesh’s compositions and the timeless spirit of the Dead.
Saturday night’s set also featured another rare gem—“Wave to the Wind”, another Phil Lesh-penned track that had not been performed by the Grateful Dead since the early 1990s. First introduced during the 1992-93 tour, it had been played on just 21 occasions before being shelved, making its inclusion by Grahame Lesh & Friends a special treat for Deadheads.
In addition to these rarities, the band performed a mix of classic Grateful Dead tunes along with other jam band staples, including a cover of Traffic’s “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys.” The performance captured the essence of the Grateful Dead’s eclectic and improvisational spirit, offering a fresh yet familiar take on some of their most beloved tracks.
For those who couldn’t make it to Garcia’s, tonight’s Dead Set Live radio show will keep the Grateful Dead vibes going strong. The live tribute show, which airs every week, plays live music from Grateful Dead cover bands and tribute acts, bringing the sounds of the Dead straight to your speakers. This week’s broadcast will feature the best of the Grateful Dead’s timeless catalog, performed by talented tribute bands that keep the music alive and thriving.
Dead Set Live is a must-listen for any Grateful Dead fan, as it highlights the best performances from cover bands who channel the spirit and energy of the Dead. Tune in tonight for a special live tribute to the Grateful Dead, featuring some of the most exciting acts on the tribute circuit today.
These two events—Grahame Lesh & Friends’ powerful performances and the live radio tribute—are perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the Grateful Dead’s world, whether you’re hearing it live or enjoying it from the comfort of home. The legacy of the Dead continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring that their music lives on for generations to come.
