I was more pumped for this show than I’ve been for a long time. It’s been several years since I last saw Terrapin Flyer and it takes me back to the college days when I first started really expanding my musical boundaries at places like the now closed Kinetic Playground. And what could enhance this grateful dead experience more than adding Mark Karan of Ratdog and Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band!

Another reason to be excited was the venue. I fondly remember Martyr’s for being home to a weekly cornmeal show while I was in college and was excited to be seeing one of my favorite members Wavy Dave!

Wavy Dave & Doug Hagman

I showed up to the sold out show about half way through the first set and the crowd was going absolutely nuts. Everyone dancing and singing, smiles on every face , and it was easy to see why! The sounds of the grateful dead filled the room as Mark Karan and Melvin Seals showed off everything they had learned and cultivated while touring with Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia.

Mark Karan & Doug Hagman

The most memorable part of the show to me was Melvin Seals. The ease with which he seems to play the keys is unbelievable. Unbelievable music comes from what seems to be little to no effort. It literally looks like his arms and hands aren’t even moving sometimes! Unreal. The man is truly stands out in the show and adds a layer to the Dead’s music that could only have come from playing with Jerry for 15 years.

Melvin Seals stole the show

The members comprising Terrapin Flyer at this show were:

Wavy Dave Burlingame – Bass

Mark Karan – Lead Guitar

Melvin Seals – Hammond B3

JP Nowak – Drums

Doug Hagman – Rhythm Guitar

Set List:

Set 1 –> Harder They Come, TLEO, Big River, Brother John, Waiting For A Miracle, Good Morning Lil Schoolgirl#, Dear Prudence#, Breadbox  (# Kris Nowak on guitar)

Set 2 –> Shakedown@ > Thats What Love Will Make You Do@, Drove Ol Dixie Down, Highway 61, Tore Up, Lucky Ole Sun, Lovelight, OMSN (@ Janis Wallin on bass and Jim Farmer on drums)

E –> Sugaree

Download and listen to this show for free here! A must for your collection.