Tune in tonight to Don’s Pick, the beloved Saturday night radio show that offers a carefully curated selection of musical gems, handpicked by your host Don. Each episode of Don’s Pick is a deep dive into music’s diverse world, with Don’s insightful commentary and passion for the art form making every show a special experience. This week, the spotlight shines on Dave’s Picks Volume 11, featuring a legendary Grateful Dead concert from November 17, 1972, at the Century II Convention Hall in Wichita, Kansas.
A Moment in Grateful Dead History
Released as part of the Dave’s Picks series, Volume 11 transports listeners to a magical time in the Grateful Dead’s history. The concert comes right after their iconic Europe ’72 tour, a period of intense creativity and musical exploration for the band. At this point in their career, the Dead were at their peak—innovating, improvising, and captivating audiences with their signature blend of rock, folk, blues, and psychedelic music.
The concert captures the energy and improvisational magic that defined their live performances, making it a must-listen for any Grateful Dead fan or anyone curious about the band’s golden era.
The Show: High Energy and Musical Magic
The night kicks off with an electrifying performance of Bertha, one of the Dead’s most celebrated tracks. The song sets the tone for the evening, filled with boundless energy and the spirit of improvisation that the band was known for. It’s the perfect entry point into what turns out to be a show brimming with musical adventure.
As the setlist unfolds, the Dead delivers a mix of familiar favorites and deep cuts that showcase their eclectic style and ability to weave together unexpected musical narratives. A particularly mesmerizing moment comes during Dark Star, one of the band’s most iconic improvisational pieces. The track seamlessly transitions into El Paso, creating a beautiful, fluid connection between two distinct musical worlds. It’s a perfect example of the Dead’s ability to blur the lines between songs, building an intricate, ever-evolving musical landscape.
The Second Set: Emotions and Explosive Energy
The second set of the show takes things to an even higher level. Stella Blue, a hauntingly beautiful ballad, is a standout performance, its deep emotion pulling the audience into a reflective, almost meditative state. Jerry Garcia’s heartfelt guitar work shines in this track, providing a glimpse into the more introspective side of the band.
Following that, the crowd is roused with an explosive rendition of Sugar Magnolia, one of the Dead’s signature songs that’s sure to get the whole room moving. The song’s energetic build-up, combined with the chemistry between Garcia and the band, sends the audience into a frenzy, showing just how masterfully the Dead could switch from tender moments to high-energy anthems.
The Spirit of the Era
Dave’s Picks Volume 11 is more than just a live recording—it’s a musical time capsule that captures the very essence of the Grateful Dead during one of their most innovative and exciting periods. The band’s improvisational prowess is on full display, and their ability to engage with the audience and create something unique every night is unmistakable. The energy of the Wichita show, combined with the intricacies of the setlist, make it a standout entry in the Dave’s Picks series.
If you’re a Grateful Dead fan—or just a lover of live music—tonight’s Don’s Pick will be a journey through one of the most exciting eras of rock history. Don’s expert curation, paired with this classic Grateful Dead performance, will surely leave you both moved and inspired. Don’t miss out on tonight’s show—it’s the perfect way to relive a piece of musical history and celebrate the legacy of the Grateful Dead.
