Justin Vernon sat in with Dead & Company at East Troy, WI’s Alpine Valley last night. The Bon Iver frontman and Wisconsin native joined the Grateful Dead offshoot for “Black Muddy River,” “Friend of the Devil” and “Bird Song” at the end of their first set. This is the first known time Vernon has performed with the members of the Grateful Dead, though he has worked with former Dead touring keyboardist Bruce Hornsby in recent years. “Nbd sitting in with the dead tonight at alpine,” Vernon tweeted after the show. The historic shed recently reopened after being closed for the 2017 concert season.

Vernon was raised on the music of the Dead, Phish, The Slip and other improvisational acts and famously bonded with his future DeYarmond Edison bandmates at H.O.R.D.E. fest in 1997. More recently, Vernon recorded “Black Muddy River” with the others members of DeYarmond Edison—including Hiss Golden Messenger’s Phil Cook—and Hornsby for the 2016 tribute album Day of the Dead. (DeYarmond Edison drew inspiration from Hornsby’s take on “Black Muddy River” from the live album Here Come the Noise Makers.) The singer/guitarist also organized a Dead tribute at his Eaux Claires Festival.

Dead and Company’s summer run continues at George, WA’s Gorge Ampitheatre on June 29.

Here’s a look at the evening via Setlist.fm

Dead & Company
June 23, 2018
Alpine Valley Music Theatre East Troy, WI

Set I: The Music Never Stopped > Easy Answers, Alabama Getaway, Big River, Jack Straw, Black Muddy River*, Friend of the Devil*, Bird Song*

Set II: The Weight, Shakedown Street, Althea, China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider, Drums/Space, All Along the Watchtower, Standing on the Moon, Sugar Magnolia

Enc: One More Saturday Night

Notes: *with Justin Vernon