Article and Photos: Linda Carlson

Cincinnati, OH – At first, there’s a bit of a doubletake – the Grateful Dead’s Bobby Weir is performing with… The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra?  But yes, that’s what happened.  The Grateful Dead’s founding guitarist, Weir, now 77 years old, is touring with Wolf Brothers, and also featuring the Wolfpack, to pair beloved music from the iconic rock band founded in the 1960s with orchestral accompaniment.

For this concert series, Weir was accompanied by a host of talented musicians, starting with Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti, along with The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet comprised of Sheldon Brown, Alex Kelly, Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, and Mads Tolling, and rounded out by Barry Sless on the pedal steel. And then, of course… the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

The show was sold out, a testament to the enduring appeal of the Grateful Dead’s music and continuing influence.

The elaborate and ornate Cincinnati Music Hall, whose construction was finalized in 1878, is a classical performance music hall, home to the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The venue occasionally hosts non-classical events, including, of note, the Grateful Dead in 1972. The hall’s Victorian Gothic Revival Style is striking, with a 21-ft diameter crystal chandelier gracing the main performance hall.  Balconied seating sweeps around the hall.  It’s quite elegant.  And it was in the aisles of this hall that fans of all ages danced, swayed, spun and twirled throughout the evening’s performance.

It’s worth noting the variety of fans who came to partake in this Grateful Dead celebration.  They were of all ages, from those in their 20s who relish this difficult-to-define music style (Psychedelic? Rock?  Folk? Jam? Blues?  Likely a bit of each.), to those who probably jammed to the music in their own youth.

The evening’s performance was split into two sets, with an intermission between where folks could wander the halls of the venue, whose walls are graced with painted oil portraits and sculptures of past orchestra conductors.

The first set opened with a 10-minute Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Overture aptly titled A Grateful Overture, conducted by John Morris Russell. Beautifully performed.

Weir & company then entered the stage to the great applause of the crowd.  From that point on, it was sway, rock and jam.

Set 1:

• A Grateful Overture (Giancarlo Aquilanti cover) (performed by Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Jack Straw (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Lost Sailor (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Saint of Circumstance (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Dark Star (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Truckin’ (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)

Set 2:

• Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Playing in the Band (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Uncle John’s Band (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• The Other One (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Days Between (Grateful Dead cover) (with Cincinnati Pops Orchestra)
• Dark Star / Uncle John’s Band / Playing in the Band

Weir put on a terrific show.  Wearing loose-fitting hippy-style clothing and well-loved sandals, and with his silver hair and beard as flowing as ever, singing the tunes of the 60s and 70s while playing the guitar he so loves, everything “fit.”  The Grateful Dead’s music ages well, and doesn’t require on-stage antics and gymnastics that might be impossible for someone in his late 70s.  Everything worked.

All in all, it was an all-around satisfying show.  Something of a welcome throwback.  Everyone dancing and singing, eyes closed and smiling – in this otherwise turbulent social climate, it was truly a special evening of unity.

Weir has upcoming dates that continue through early January 2025.  Check the Weir’s website (link) for a performance near you.

Cincinnati Music Hall

Bobby Weir