Joe Russo’s Almost Dead returned to Port Chester, NY’s Capitol Theatre last night. The evening featured several surprises, including some special guests and a selection of songs from The Band’s repertoire. In total, Almost Dead introduced seven new covers into their catalog throughout the evening

The show began with Almost Dead’s first take on “Sitting On Top of the World,” a song the Grateful Dead covered on their self-titled debut, and the group’s first version of The Band staple “Doin’ That Rag.” The first set also included debuts of “I Need A Miracle,” “New Speedway Boogie,” “Must Have Been The Roses” and “Box of Rain,” the latter of which featured a rare lead vocal from Russo. Russo and Benevento also offered a nod to their original project with a “Duo jam.”

A five-person horn section featuring Antibalas members and associates Jordan McLean (trumpet), Raymond Mason (trombone), Stuart Bogie (saxophone and clarinet), Matt Bauder (baritone saxophone) and John Altieri (tuba) emerged at the start of set two for “Row Jimmy.” They remained onstage for “Help On The Way,” “Slipknot!,” a “Space” segment, “Franklin’s Tower.” “Dancin’ In The Streets” “Not Fade Away” and a first-time take on The Band’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” during the show’s encore. (Almost Dead’s version of The Band song featured Allen Toussaint’s iconic Last Waltz horn arrangements.) The members of Antibalas also marched into the crowd during the song, adding a second-line feel to the classic sing-along.

Almost Dead will return to the Cap this evening.

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist via Almost Dead’s Facebook page

Friday, January 1, Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY

Set I: Sitting On Top of the World(^), Doin’ That Rag(^)->, Jam->, I Need A Miracle(^)->, New Speedway Boogie(^@)->, Duo Jam ->, Me & My Uncle, Must Have Been The Roses(^), Box of Rain(^)

Set II: Row Jimmy(#), Help On The Way(#)->, Slipknot!(#)->, Space(#)->, Slipknot!(#)->, Franklin’s Tower(#)->, Dancin’ In The Streets(#)->, Eyes Of The World($)->, Drums->, Not Fade Away(#)

E:The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down(^#)

(^)First Time Played by Almost Dead:

(@) With an Eyes of the World Tease and a Me & My Uncle Tease

(#)With Jordan McLean (Trumpet), Raymond Mason (Trombone), Stuart Bogie (Sax & Clarinet), Matt Bauder (Bari Sax) & John Altieri (Tuba)

($) With Stuart Bogie on saxophone

(%) With a “Walk The Dinosaur” (Was, Not Was) Tease (MB). Song included the 5 horn players leaving the stage & playing on the GA Floor as the crowd & Joe kept the NFA Beat. After the march thru the crowd, the horn section returned to stage, where some of the band rejoined them to finish the tune.

(^#) The Band cover, first time played by Almost Dead.