Terrapin Flyer Live at The Venue on 2023-10-12
At The Venue in Aurora, Illinois, Terrapin Flyer’s performance on October 12th vibrated with the energy and spirit of the Grateful Dead. This concert held special significance as it would be the last time the band played at this beloved location until December.
The evening kicked off with “Shakedown Street,” instantly setting a dynamic and exuberant tone. Josh Olken’s mastery on the lead guitar was a spectacle in itself, channeling the essence of the Dead’s music with remarkable skill. Jon Reed’s drumming was the rhythmic backbone, perfectly in sync with Wavy Dave’s fluid bass lines. Mike Cole on keys and Doug Hagman on rhythm guitar wove intricate harmonies, creating a rich and enveloping sound.
Highlights of the first set included a deeply resonant “Althea” and a vibrant rendition of “Lay Down Sally,” where the band ventured into expansive, captivating jams. “Let It Grow” brought the set to a powerful close, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting more.
The second set was a continuous wave of excitement, starting with the beloved “Scarlet Begonias” transitioning into “Fire On The Mountain.” The band’s seamless progression from “Estimated Prophet” into “Crazy Fingers,” followed by a spirited jam leading into “Truckin,” exemplified their cohesive artistry and adventurous spirit. The reflective “Days Between” provided a poignant moment before the energy surged again with “Good Lovin.”
The encore, a fan-requested “Franklin’s Tower,” perfectly captured the interactive and communal atmosphere of the night, ending the show on a joyous note.
Larry Zimmer’s expertise as the FOH Sound Engineer played a crucial role in the night’s success, ensuring that every note and harmony was crisp and clear, enhancing the overall experience for everyone in attendance.
Terrapin Flyer’s show at The Venue was more than just a concert; it was a vivid celebration of the Grateful Dead’s legacy, an affirmation of the band’s talent, and a testament to the unifying power of music. As the band takes a break from this venue until December, this night in Aurora will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of their musical journey.
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