Photo via Gov’t Mule’s Facebook page.

Veteran soul singer Bobby Rush and Blues Traveler frontman John Popper sat in with Gov’t Mule last night. The collaborations took place at Ridgeland, MS’ Renaissance as part of the Twilight Concert Series. Popper, whose band Blues Traveler was also on the evening’s bill, emerged for a run from Temple of the Dog’s “Hunger Strikes” into Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” back into “Hunger Strike.” Rush, who lives in the area, took the stage a bit later for “Chicken Heads.” Gov’t Mule recorded a version of the song with Rush as part of the tune’s 50th special anniversary celebration last year; last night marked the first time they played it live with Rush.

The collaborations were part of a busy few days for Mule sit-ins. On Friday, Texas-bred guitarist Wes Jeans joined the ensemble on “Good Morning Little School  Girl” at Little Rock, Arkansas’ The Hall. As previously reported, George Porter Jr. emerged on Thursday for a few tunes in Mobile, Alabama’s The Saenger. And, on October 18, the members of Old Crow Medicine Show augmented Gov’t Mule on the Dead’s “Loser” during their co-bill at Key West, FL’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater.

Gov’t Mule’s tour will continue this evening at Fayetteville, AR’s JJ’s Live.