On Friday night in San Francisco, the fourth annual Rock To Relief concert took place at Slim’s. For the third year Phil Lesh participated, joining the San Francisco Songwriters Coalition All-Stars, at the show, which raised money for Bay Area Food Banks as well as the community service programs of the local Branson School. The group covered Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks, with vocals tackled by various singers from the Coalition. After completing the album, all of the singers returned to the stage for a gospel-flavored take ‘Like A Rolling Stone.’ Of particular note to Jambands.com readers will be the participation of Uncle Sammy’s Max Delaney, who was one of two electric guitarists at Slim’s, along with James Deprato (Chuck Prophet). Other players included: Jerry Becker (Pat Monahan) on acoustic guitar, drummer Kyle Caprista (Megan Slankard), Jeff Symonds on keys (Rich Price Band) and Matt Cunitz on Hammond B3.
Jambands.com tracked down Delaney, a transplanted New Englander who often gigs with the Joel Streeter Band, and Delaney explained, ‘I think I can safely speak for all of the Bay Area musicians involved when I say it was a total thrill to play with Phil. And for a large band that only rehearsed once together, I think we all totally shined and hit some great musical peaks together. And after the rush of Friday night was over, most of the Bay Area musicians regrouped on Saturday night at the Starry Plough in Berkeley, CA to perform the entire Beatles White Album. Would have loved to have Phil join us for that too but I think he had to head off to get ready for the Dead tour.’