This was the first show Ratdog played at the Strand in York--hopefully not the last. This was a beautiful theater to see live music. The first set got off smooth with a jam into "Stranger" and some of the older Heads were treated to some special moments with a reggae infused "Crazy Fingers" into a "Ramble on Rose" with backing vocals from an excited York audience. The first set ended on a high note with a charged "Weather Report Suite > Let it Grow." It took a couple false starts by Bobby, but with love and encouragement from the crowd (and a little smile from Bobby) it didn't take long to get into swing.
The second set kicked in with a 2006 specialty for Ratdog, "Big Iron," bringing a classic old western feel with beatiful harmonizing vocals. As a longtime Dead fan "...Paint My Masterpiece" and "Wharf Rat" were two moments that brought a tear to my eye. Being election day, no matter where you fall in the political spectrum, one can't deny that "Throwing Stones" couldn't have been more appropriate, speaking louder to the day's events then ever. The boys sent York off with hope with the Dead anthem, "Touch of Grey."
Eric, Woodbine, MD
