Suggesting Fans Get a Beacon of Light for Christmas
Three was the magic number as Suggesting Rhythm returned to the Beacon for the third time Friday to kick off an epic three night run of shows that each featured a trio of new songs! Each night seemed to build off the last and in this uncertain world the Beacon Theatre really held up to its name.
Suggesting Fans are no stranger to the Beacon Theatre by now and admittedly we did have a rough start to the relationship. It seems like the 3rd time would be the charm however as we were warmly welcomed and even more happy to be there! The staff was wonderful, everyone was as safe as possible while enjoying the show and dancing merrily!
With so much emotion and controversy surrounding everything the initial atmosphere Friday night was extremely tense and subdued. But when the boys kicked off with the Sisters and Brothers and as Dave told everyone to "keep the faith" the weight seemed to lift.
The tempo picked up as they went into Mississippi Half Step and stayed high for most of the set. Looks Like Rain slowed it down a little before everyone favorite breakup song It's All Over Now picked it backup and the set closing Gimme Some Lovin' left the out-of-shape crowd winded and panting.
An always blazing Jack Straw opened up the 2nd set giving way to a nice Scarlet\Fire before drums and space. At the end of space we were treated to the 1st of 3 spirits to visit us. In the past Suggesting has been asked to play numerous songs that the Dead didn't play and this Christmas some fans got their wish. Much to the delight of some and a few expected beleaguered groans night 1 belonged to Phish. We were introduced to Twist, Wolfman’s Brother and last the appropriately named Sample in a Jar. The dial spun back and we got a rocking Cumberland and Wharf Rat before closing with a super high energy Sugar Mag.
Night 2 showed a max capacity crowd, such that it was, with much anticipation. Immediately with Feel Like a Stranger you could tell the band was loose and relaxed. The best of the 3 setlists in my opinion, touted a 1st set Bird Song and Eyes of the World and Steve got to stretch his voice some with the band favorite Hey Pocky Way. Althea saw Adam lose a string entering the 1st solo but Steve didn't miss a beat delivering on the keys. With a new axe Adam and the guys dealt an energetic Wang Dang Doodle to close the set.
The 2nd set continued with China\Ryder opening into Cassidy and a rocking Other One that featured a special guest showing by the Mayor himself. Noel Jeff and the Mayor brought drums into space before Jeff hit the button again and changed the dial. The next round of fan requests was trio of Little Feat tunes before ending with He's Gone and an absolute fire Deal!
The double encore of Mr Fantasy and Sampson and Delilah was an extra special treat and somehow the band kept their energy all night long.
Night 3 somehow had even more energy and anticipation as showtime neared. After an opening Playing in the Band we heard the iconic opening of a rare 1st set Dark Star! By the time Dark Star bled into Dancing in the Streets the band was in a different space, business turned to fun and when Adam and Ed started jumping we knew the night was going to be historic. All 6 guys kept the high energy all set pitching a Maggie's Farm and Foolish Heart before going to break on the Coasters classic I'm a Hog for you Baby.
West LA opening the 2nd really set the mood for the 3rd and final request spot. This night after space we were treated to a trilogy of The Band hits. Steve singing Cripple Creek was the stand out here leading into a duo of Dylan tunes where Daves passion really showed in the Ballad of a Thin Man.The show closed with a face melting guitar solo to the Hendrix classic All along the Watchtower. With one last encore and the capacity crowd still going crazy we were treated to one last encore of Easy Wind and a Playing in the Band reprise.
After such a rough and crazy year there was no better way to end it!
