Hana Gustafson

Grateful Shred and Circles Around the Sun took their current For The First & Last Time… Again! Tour to the converted church to the concert venue Wonder Ballroom in Portland, Ore., last night, Thursday, Sept. 12. Billed as a nonstop run of music, the evening began with select country-tinged Dead covers, which informed Shred’s take during groove-laden “Big Iron” (Marty Robbins). “Drums” allowed a separation of “sets,” though there was no formal break, as members switched spots for Circle’s ensuing instrumental interplay. Scroll down to view photos from last night’s concert. 

Seeking an ideal entry point, Grateful Shred picked up fan favorite “The Music Never Stops,” led by Austin McCutchen, with help from Mikaela Davis, who gave a robust 70s-inspired performance akin to Donna Jean Godchaux’s timely inclusion. Next, the torch was passed to backbeat Alex Koford, who spearheaded “New Speedway Boogie” with vocal excellence and the timing of a well-seasoned expert of the Dead archive–informed by his years of playing with bassist Phil Lesh.

Rather than continuing with Dead pulls, Shred opted for a sensational take on “Big Iron.” The country ballad received a kaleidoscope effect–a slightly altered and funkier version of the original. On the other side of the cowboy tune, the band added in more Dead material, including a haunting take on “Candyman” led by David, which preluded the arrival of “Playing in the Band,” which hit spacey territory on the outro, fusing into a drums interlude, as Shred stepped aside and Circle filled in. 

For the instrumental segment of the night, Dan Horne, Adam McDougall, John Lee Shannon and Mark Levy pulled predominantly from their latest studio releases, their self-titled EP with Davis, and the still sizzling 2023 set Language as jam catalysts. Flexing their amalgamated flow during standouts “Away Team,” “Language,” and “Moonbow.” The aforementioned number trailed into “Drums,” which this time beckoned the return of Shred for their final songs. 

All told, the night served as a center stone for creativity, allowing for the celebration of original jam music debuted by the Dead while saving space for its modern adaptation and the continued search through the improvisational cosmos, always chasing a groove. 

Hana Gustafson attended last night’s concert and shared select shots.