Phil Lesh - bass, vocals
John Molo - drums
Jimmy Herring - guitar
Chris Robinson - vocals (Black Crowes)
Barry Sless - guitar, pedal steel (Kingfish, David Nelson Band)
Steve Molitz - keyboards (Particle)
Gloria Jones - vocals (Jerry Garcia Band)
Jackie LaBranch - vocals (Jerry Garcia Band)
Tim Carbone - violin (Railroad Earth)
John Skehan - mandolin (Railroad Earth)
Dave Ellis - tenor sax (Charlie Hunter Trio,various solo)
Kevin - trumpet
Marty - trombone

At the close of 2004, there were no big New Year's shows planned in California. The Dead took this New Year's off, Galactic was playing at home at Tip's, and the rest of the action was in New York. The three mid-December Phil & Friends shows amounted to a much-needed holiday bash for the west coast heads. A reckoning for the faithful.

The scene outside The Warfield was electric, with the crispy critters in their sleeping bags along Market Street, dogs running around, fingers in there, and huge grins on everyone's face. Strangers stopping strangers... you know the drill. Once inside, you couldn't help but love the holiday cheer: a huge Christmas tree on the landing heading up towards the balcony, giant lit wreaths on either side of the stage, and ushers donning Santa hats as they guided you to your seats. The shows started late each night and the set breaks were long, affording us time to catch up with old friends over cocktails under the Christmas lights while waiting for each set to begin. Each night went until around 1:30 AM, even Sunday night!

This was probably Phil's most eclectic line up to date, pulling in old friends who we hadn't seen on stage in years (Jackie and Gloria from JGB) and juxtaposing them with Chris Robinson's honey-blues vocals and Barry Sless's masterful guitar and pedal steel work. The boys from Railroad Earth, who had recently joined String Cheese over Thanksgiving, added fiddle and mandolin. Particle's keyboard wiz Steve Molitz launched the band into orbit several times each night, finally blowing the roof off the old Warfield with the Particle jam "Elevator" on Sunday night. Bay area sax man Dave Ellis lead a horn section which spiced up songs like "Shakedown Street" and closed out the weekend by playing from the center balcony on "Franklin's Tower" and "Not Fade Away."

The power trio of Phil, Jimmy, and Molo were simply unstoppable. Hearing Jimmy on his own without Warren's dominant (but awe-inspiring) tone was a treat. It's great to see Jimmy in the spotlight ripping out spiraling leads. And Phil... well, we really just need to say THANK YOU.

Friday 12/17/04
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SET ONE
Cosmic Charlie
Althea
Everybody Wants Somebody To Love
Lay It All On Me
Next Time You See Me
High Time
Sugaree

Saturday 12/18/04
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SET ONE
Just Another Wistle Stop
Dire Wolf
Peggy-O
Lonesome Valley
40 Days
No More Do I
It Hurst Me Too
Casey Jones

Sunday 12/19/04
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SET ONE
He's Gone
Box of Rain
Like A Tumbleweed In Eden
The Golden Road
Row Jimmy
The Dolphins
Two Souls in Communion
Unbroken Chain