Mike Gordon sat in with his old friends Max Creek at Burlington, VT’s Backside 405 yesterday. The Phish cofounder emerged during the veteran jamband’s set to play acoustic guitar on Bill Browning’s “Dark Hollow,” a song often associated with the Grateful Dead, and The Carter Family’s “Bury Me Beneath the Willow.” The guest spots marked Gordon’s first public performances since the start of the global pandemic, though he has released a few pre-recorded videos and participated in a variety of livestreams. His daughter Tessa Gordon sang on both selections; the Gordons have been hosting family sing-alongs at home throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Max Creek are currently celebrating their 50th year as a group. Gordon has a rich history with Max Creek guitarist Scott Murawski, who has been a core member of his solo bands for years and one of his closest writing partners. Max Creek will perform at Mason, NH’s Range today.

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist via Max Creek’s Facebook page

Friday, June 18, Backside 405, Burlington, VT

In Harmony >>
Columbus Stockade Blues
Wild Side
*%Dark Hollow
*^Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow (Carter Family)
Emotional Railroad
Come On Up To The House
Blood Red Roses >>
~Broken String Jam >>
@Emerald Eyes >>
Said & Done
Outside Of Home >>
The Bees
Peaceful Warrior >>
Diamonds On The Souls Of He Shoes >
Something Is Forming

E:
Henry >
Back Porch Boogie

*Mike Gordon – Acoustic Guitar/Vocals
%Tessa Gordon – Lead Vocals
^Tessa Gordon – Backing Vocals
~Scott breaks a string at the end of Blood Red Roses
@Storytime “How Was Your Pandemic & You think I’d remember all this after 49 years. Nope…Take a year off and it’s gone.”