On Friday, May 12, 2023, Joe Russo's Almost Dead (and lovingly referred to by many a fan as simply JRAD) took the stage at the picturesque Pier Six Amphitheater in Baltimore, Maryland, where they unleashed an electrifying performance at one of the most beautiful venues in the DMV. Located directly on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Pier Six offers glorious sunset views on the waterfront for almost every show, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening of live music outside on the lawn.

Known for their unique take on the Grateful Dead's music, this supergroup of talented musicians brought the iconic songs to life in a nostalgic and refreshingly innovative way. From the moment the band kicked off the show with a spacey jam leading into "Here Comes Sunshine," it was clear that this would be another JRAD show to remember. The nearly telekinetic chemistry between the band members was palpable, with Joe Russo's thunderous drumming driving the rhythm and providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build upon. The crowd instantly locked into the jam, dancing and swaying to the infectious grooves.

Guitarists Tom Hamilton and Scott Metzger displayed their musical prowess as they traded dueling guitar solos throughout the night–including on "Terrapin Station," a highlight of the evening. Their ability to capture the essence of Jerry Garcia's playing while adding their unique flair was nothing short of impressive. Each note they played resonated with the audience, evoking a sense of nostalgia while using the Grateful Dead's catalog as a springboard for experimental improvisation. In addition, Bassist Dave Dreiwitz and keyboardist Marco Benevento performed flawlessly, providing a solid backbone for the band’s improvisation. Dreiwitz's thunderous bass lines were felt deep in the chest, while Benevento's virtuosic keyboard work added depth and euphoric highs to the songs. 

One of the night's standout moments came during the extended jam in "The Other One." The band launched into a borderline-heavy metal version of this Dead classic before seamlessly converging into a gentle and psychedelic "Bird Song," showing the band's mastery of improvisational dynamics. The crowd responded with thunderous applause and cheers, clearly appreciating the band's ability to take the Dead's music to new heights while staying true to its roots. JRAD closed out the second set with an epic "Morning Dew" that left everyone wanting more. The band obliged with an encore of "Casey Jones" that left the crowd dancing and singing as people walked to the parking lot.

JRAD delivered another unforgettable performance at Pier Six Pavilion to kick off the outdoor concert season for 2023. Their unique interpretation of the Grateful Dead's music breathed new life into the timeless classics, captivating the audience from start to finish. With their exceptional musicianship, boundless energy, and undeniable chemistry, this supergroup proved once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in live music.