The summer air was thick with anticipation and humidity as fans eagerly gathered at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD, on Thursday, July 6th, for a night of musical enchantment with the legendary Trey Anastasio Band. The atmosphere was electric with a shared love for the captivating sounds of this iconic jam band and its leader, Trey Anastasio—best known for his virtuosic guitar work in Phish.

The evening started with a powerful rendition of "Everything's Right," instantly setting the tone for an evening filled with soulful melodies and improvisational prowess. The crowd cheered as Trey Anastasio's intricate guitar work took center stage. At the same time, Jennifer Hartswick, the band's exceptional trumpet player and powerhouse vocalist, added layers of musical brilliance with her soulful and vibrant performances. 

Backed by the mesmerizing percussion work of Cyro Baptista, the band's rhythms took on a whole new dimension. Baptista's masterful command of various and unique percussion instruments—including scuba diving fins during "Camel Walk"—added layers of texture and depth to each song, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for the band's improvisational explorations. Later in the set, the crowd couldn't help but be captivated by Natalie Cressman's dynamic stage presence as she led an incredible call and response jam with Trey during "Blaze On."

A highlight of the first set came with the closing song, "Sand," during which Trey traded funk-laden guitar riffs with the band's horn section and Ray Paczkowski, the band's keyboard player. The chemistry between the band members was palpable as they effortlessly communicated and responded to each other's musical cues.

After a brief intermission, the second set began with a captivating performance of "A Wave of Hope." The band seamlessly transitioned into "Cayman Review" and "Undermind," with Hartswick's trumpet adding a fiery edge to the band's already electrifying sound. "Sweet Dreams Melinda" offered a poignant and introspective moment, with Anastasio's heartfelt vocals beautifully complemented by Hartswick and Cressman's rich harmonies. The audience was spellbound as the three musicians shared the stage, their voices blending perfectly.

The second set climaxed with "Push On 'Til the Day," featuring blistering guitar solos from Anastasio and explosive percussion work from Baptista. The band's energy was infectious, and the crowd begged for more as the band exited the stage. 

For the encore, the band gifted the crowd with an emotional and soul-stirring cover of the 1970s hit "O-o-h Child," with James Casey's soaring vocals taking center stage. Casey, the band's saxophone player and a DC-native, sat out most of the show, joining the band only for the encore.  After a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2021, James has continued to tour intermittently while undergoing treatment.  With this in mind and the encore's uplifting lyrics, the entire venue sang along, united in a moment of pure musical joy supporting James' on-going battle with cancer.

Overall, the Trey Anastasio Band's performance at Pier Six Pavilion was a masterclass in musical expression and improvisation. From Trey Anastasio's captivating guitar wizardry to Jennifer Hartswick's mesmerizing trumpet playing and soulful vocals to Dezon Douglas' thundering bass lines, each band member showcased their immense talent and passion for their craft.

Together, they created an unforgettable evening of music that left the audience longing for more.   We look forward to Trey Anastasio and each member of his band coming to the DMV again soon