I had seen The Grateful Dead at the civic center five times including my first show in 1981 but I haven't been there since 1987. I originally planned on flying up for the Atlantic City shows, but decided to revisit this old building.
Hartford security and police were present in larger numbers than was necessary. The floor was the only place were the overbearing security presence was minimal.
During the second set, I noticed a girl with a black and white striped dress and black stockings in the aisle on the lower level Trey's side. She was completely immersed in the moment during Fluffhead, moving her entire body in a way that absolutely defined the meaning of why we go see this band. There were no words to describe how her movement and facial expressions made me feel. I was overwhelmed with joy for the few minutes I watched her. Usually I'm so caught up in the moment during shows, i don't take the time to watch the effect the band has on other people. I can only imagine what must be like for them to look out and see all of us getting off on the music.
Watching the crowd during a show is sometimes more rewarding than keeping your eyes on the stage.
I was incredibly happy to hear the Rock and Roll opener, although I was mildly disappointed there wasn't more of an effort to play at least one more song. I fantasized about a second set Venus in Furs before the show.
Every song in the first set was played well. I finally saw Fee for the second time since 1996. The Fee>Maze was the highlight of the set for me.
The crowd went crazy when Mike actually walked the perimeter of the stage during his Lawn Boy solo.
I also recall Trey trying to extend the end of Chalk Dust into a jam that was not picked up by some other members of the band.
The Tweezer that followed contain some of best moments of the night. Birds of a Feather was enjoyable as always, but a rather standard version.
Just when I thought I had heard Golden Age too many times, the band turns it into a jam that was arguably the best of the night.
I recall a stopping point before Halley's while the band decided what to play next.
The ASZ contained some incredible moments that everyone should check out. Fluffhead seamed to get off to a shaky start, but watching the girl with the stockings brought me back and it ended very well.
Trey mentioned a concert that he and Mike went to before they met. I think he may have been referring to one of the Dead shows that I had also attended.
I was extremely happy to have flown up from Miami earlier than planned to see this show.
See everyone in Atlantic City.