By Penny Piper

I’m still riding the wave from Bearly Dead’s show on Saturday at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs. This was one of those nights you don’t just attend — you feel it, and it stays with you.

For anyone who doesn’t know them yet, Bearly Dead is a Grateful Dead tribute band out of Boston, made up of Tyler Brooks on drums and vocals, Nick Swift on guitar and vocals, Kris Yunker on keys and vocals, Michael Butler on vocals and percussion, Richie Nagan on percussion and vocals (who sang us Mama Tried for his very first time!), and Sarah Elaz on bass and vocals. Together, they bring something that feels both deeply respectful and fully alive.

Before we even get into the music, we have to talk about the crowd. This show was completely sold out. People were dancing in the streets outside, waiting for someone to leave so they could get in. That alone tells you what kind of night it was. We’re all still reeling from the loss of Bob Weir, and so many people came out to pay homage, connect, and shake their bones together. I also want to thank everyone who stood outside patiently during the delayed sound check after the band’s van broke down. Not a single bad vibe — just understanding, kindness, and community. You were all amazing.

Just when it felt like the night couldn’t possibly get any better, we got some very special guests. Local favorite Shannon Lynch took to the stage, along with Vinnie Amico from Moe. Their take on “Dancing in the Streets” was unreal. That sax. Shannon’s vocals, Vinnie on drums, the energy in the room exploded! I’ve seen a lot of incredible shows at Putnam Place, but this one is going to live in my heart for a long time.

I also want to give flowers where they’re due. Jarrett Hartstone and Hartstone Productions really know how to curate a night. Between ADK Music Fest, Memorial Meltdown , and consistently bringing the heat to the 518 nightlife, Jarrett keeps delivering. He’s bringing in the bands I want to see, right here at home. If it’s a Hartstone production, I already know I’m in for a good time.

And the band absolutely understood the assignment. From the first note to the last, the night was straight fire. They paid homage to Bobbi with so much care and intention, especially through the setlist — but the real moment was the howl. If you know, you know. They nailed that wild, fearless Wolf energy that Bob Weir brings when he sings, and it felt real and reverent, not forced for a second. It was powerful, it was joyful, and it felt like love. They gave 110%, and I walked out smiling ear to ear.

And Putnam Place — truly, it feels like home. If you’ve been there more than once, you know the staff. We even had Celo looking like a million bucks at the door. The bartenders, security, and everyone behind the scenes work so hard to make nights like this happen. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re grateful.

If you ever get the chance to see Bearly Dead, don’t sleep on it. I’m carrying this vibe with me for as long as I can. They’ll make you smile, your hands will be in the air, and you’ll leave with a full heart.

Setlist

Set 1: Weather Report Prelude>Cassidy, Feel Like a Stranger, Big River, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Odessa, Mama Tried, Only A River, The Music Never Stopped

Set 2: Dancing in the Street[1], Jack Straw[2], Black-Throated Wind[2], Corrina, Lost Sailor> Saint of Circumstance> The Other One, Throwing Stones>Sugar Magnolia, One More Saturday Night

Footnotes:

[1] Vinnie Amico on drums and Shannon Lynch on saxophone

[2]Vinnie Amico on drums