RatDog and Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers closed out their joint tour on familiar ground last night at Albany, NYs Pepsi Arena. Formerly known as the Knickerbocker, the famed Capitol Region arena has hosted several classic Grateful Dead performances over the years including the three-night stand documented on Dozin’ at the Knick. During Hornsbys opening set, RatDogs Bob Weir, Jay Lane, Jeff Chimenti and Kenny Brooks all emerged for a version of Rag Doll built around Hornsbys Valley Road. Lane also sat in on Hornsbys signature The Way it Is. Later, during RatDogs set, Hornsby and Noisemakers saxophonist Bobby Reed returned the favor on Playin in the Band. Reed remained on for Big Boss Man later yielding to longtime Hornsby keyboardist J.T. Thomas on Uncle John’s Band and Bob Dylans A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.
Last nights performances closed out a busy weekend for the longtime collaborators. Sunday at Atlantic Citys House of Blues, Hornsby joined RatDog for Bertha, while Weir played guitar on Black Muddy River. Friday night Hornsby also performed on Jack Straw and Dark Star during RatDogs set at Gilford, NHs Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center. Hornsby and Weir will likely collaborate again September 24 at Berkeley, CAs Comes A Time: A Tribute To Jerry Garcia benefit.