Photo Credit: Marc Millman

Today, Tuesday, Feb. 25, a previously unseen pro-shot video of Phil & Friends’ rendition of “Touch of Grey” has been released. The video captures James Casey carrying the vocal lead on the Grateful Dead’s In the Dark anthem, “Touch of Grey,” and arrives the same day as the launch of the late saxophonist’s Birthday Benefit auction. 

The seven-minute clip was pulled from Lesh’s 100th concert appearance at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, N.Y. [since it reopened in 20212], on March 19, 2023, during a run that doubled as the bassist’s 83rd birthday run. Supported by Lesh and his son Grahame, John Molo, Rick Mitaronda, Katie Jacoby, and Nikki Blum, Casey hits the Robert Hunter-penned lyrics with a playfulness akin to the track’s original quippy release. 

Instead of presenting the musician’s typical use of the sax, Lesh enlisted Casey’s raw talent and vocal strength on the late ’80s classic. Casey lifts the number with a smile and the unabashed confidence of a live, well-seasoned performer who has shared the stage with jam greats Trey Anastasio, Bill Kreutzmann, Soulive, Lettuce, and more. 

The track’s message of reassurance, “I will get by/I will survive,” aligns with the mission of Casey’s Birthday and Benefit auction and screening drive, held in partnership with the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH), which empowers the community to be their own mental health advocates. 

Bidding for the benefit auction begins today at noon E.T. and presents a variety of one-of-a-kind collector’s items donated by beloved members of the jam scene. Highlights of the charity auction include a custom, signed guitar from Dave Matthews, VIP ticket packages from Casey’s TAB bandleader Trey Anastasio, and the String Cheese Incident and the Disco Biscuits. 

Lesh and Casey signed drumhead from Phil & Friends’ sold-out shows held Dec. 27-28, 2022, at the Warfield, San Francisco is also up for bid. Fellow ‘Friends’ Rick Mitarotonda, Grahame Lesh, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, Holly Bowling, and John Molo’s signatures are on the drumhead. All proceeds gained through the charity auction will directly support colorectal cancer screening services for uninsured people through Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), an organization committed to early cancer detection. 

Following the auction, the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists (ABGH) will host a virtual webinar and screening drive in honor of Casey. Titled “Your Health, Your Voice: Knowing the Signs of Colorectal Cancer and Taking Action,” the event will occur on Sunday, March 2, and will present a conversation about colorectal cancer trends and risks, particularly for the younger generation. 

The webinar will include a conversation between gut health physicians as well as Casey’s friends and fellow musician, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader Louis Cato and the first Black Radio City Music Hall Rockette and colorectal cancer survivor [who appeared in Casey’s “New Bloom” music video], Jennifer Jones. This event is free and open to the public. 

Watch Phil & Friends’ performance of “Touch of Grey,” led by James Casey, below. 

To learn more about James Casey, his cancer battle, and how it intersected with his musical journey, watch the docu-short Music As Medicine: A James Casey Story and visit his official website www.jamescaseysax.co for more. 

An auction inventory list is available to view here, bid now. Those wanting to support the benefit’s cause can also donate via GiveButter.com.