Cambridge MA January 23 2025 by Gary Alpert

On a chilly Thursday night, The Reckoning Crew transformed the intimate setting of the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA, into a warm haven for Deadheads and lovers of acoustic music alike. Delivering two full sets of stripped-down Grateful Dead classics and adjacent material, the band captured the spirit of the Dead with a fully acoustic performance that resonated deeply with the packed audience.

With a talented lineup featuring David Rubin on guitar/vocals, Mike Verge on guitar/vocals, Ian Brenkle on upright bass, Gordon Fromm on piano/vocals, Ben DeUrso on drums, and Mark Munzer on keys, the evening was a showcase of impressive musicianship and heartfelt performances.

Check out the full gallery of photos from this night

The first set featured timeless Grateful Dead staples such as “Dire Wolf,” “Race Is On,” and “Big Railroad Blues,” with beautifully intricate harmonies and deft fingerpicking that showcased the band’s impressive musicianship. The set continued with favorites like “Jack Straw,” “To Lay Me Down,” and “Dark Hollow,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie within the crowd. Highlights included “Spike Driver Blues,” a soulful rendition of “Cassidy,” and a rousing version of “Uncle John’s Band.” The set closed on an emotional note with “Looks Like Rain” and an energetic “Midnight Moonlight.”

The second set maintained the momentum, kicking off with “Deep Elem Blues” and a spirited “Samson and Delilah.” The band delved into material from Old and in the Way with a lively rendition of “Old and in the Way” and “Panama Red.” The set also featured an evocative performance of “Queen Jane Approximately,” a heartfelt “Troubled in Mind,” and a mesmerizing take on “Mountain of the Moon” that segued seamlessly into an “Uncle John’s Band” reprise. A soaring rendition of “Bird Song” provided a fitting climax to the set.

As the night wound down, The Reckoning Crew surprised the audience with encore performances of Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” and and the Traditional “On the Road Again.” The cover choice paid homage to the restless, road-bound spirit that has always been central to the Grateful Dead’s legacy, sending the audience off with smiles and a sense of longing for the next gathering.

The Reckoning Crew’s performance at the Lizard Lounge was a heartfelt tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead and its extended family, delivered with authenticity, skill, and undeniable love. Whether you’re a longtime Deadhead or a newcomer to the music, their acoustic renditions are a reminder of why these songs continue to endure and inspire across generations.

Check out the full gallery of photos from this night

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