Terrapin Flyer Live at The Venue on 2023-09-14
The Venue in Aurora, Illinois, played host to an unforgettable night as Terrapin Flyer, the revered Grateful Dead tribute band, bid farewell to their hometown Chicagoland crowd before embarking on a tour that promises to spread their Deadhead magic far and wide. The patio door swung open, allowing the sweet September breeze to blend harmoniously with the music, setting the stage for an extraordinary evening.
From the very first note, it was evident that Terrapin Flyer was on fire. The band pulled out all the stops, treating their fans to a musical journey filled with old favorites and some hidden gems. The energy was electric, and the audience was entranced from start to finish.
The first set kicked off with “Cold Rain And Snow,” setting a high-octane tone for the night. “Greatest Story Ever Told” and “Peggy O” showcased the band’s ability to capture the essence of the Grateful Dead’s storytelling. “Me And Bobby McGee” and “Candyman” had everyone swaying, while “Box Of Rain” and “So Many Roads” tapped into the emotional core of the audience. The set wrapped up with the spirited “Promised Land,” leaving no doubt that Terrapin Flyer was in prime form.
Set two was a true Deadhead’s dream. “Scarlet Begonias” flowed seamlessly into “Eyes Of The World,” igniting the dance floor. “Playing In The Band” and “Uncle John’s Band” evoked a sense of unity among the crowd, and the “Drums > Space” segment took the audience on a cosmic journey. A surprise performance of “Cosmic Charlie” and the ethereal “Attics Of My Life” added an air of unpredictability to the night. The grand finale came with “Turn On Your Love Light,” a high-energy crescendo that left everyone in a state of euphoria.
The encore was a heartfelt rendition of “Black Muddy River,” a fitting farewell from Terrapin Flyer as they prepared to hit the road.
The lineup, consisting of Josh Olken on lead guitar, Jon Reed on drums, Wavy Dave on bass, Mike Cole on keys, and Doug Hagman on rhythm guitar, was a well-oiled machine. Larry Zimmer, the FOH Sound Engineer, deserves a nod for ensuring that every note was crystal clear, allowing the band’s sonic magic to shine.
Terrapin Flyer’s September 14th show at The Venue was not just a concert; it was a musical journey that captured the spirit and essence of the Grateful Dead. The open patio door, the perfect weather, and the band’s undeniable passion all combined to create an experience that will be cherished by fans and newcomers alike. As they embark on their tour, one thing is clear: wherever Terrapin Flyer goes, a little piece of Aurora will go with them, and the music will keep on dancing.
Lineup
Josh Olken – lead guitar
Jon Reed – drums
Wavy Dave – bass
Mike Cole – keys
Doug Hagman – rhythm guitar
Larry Zimmer – FOH Sound Engineer
Recording Info
Lineage: (WAV32/48) > Reaper > Trader’s Little Helper > FLAC 8 > foobar2000 (tagging)
Source: Line Audio CM4 ORTF on stage > Zoom F3 (WAV 32/48) + SBD > Zoom F6 (WAV 32/48)
Recorded by: DMBFan920
Tracked, Seeded & Mastered by: DMBFan920