Last night, August 16, Billy & The Kids participated in the first of two nights on stage as part of their Dead On The Water run. The initial evening saw the group, led by original Grateful Dead backbeat Bill Kreutzmann and the band perform at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore. During the event, they played two sets, flushed with favored numbers pulled from the drummer’s days with the Dead, in addition to classic cuts, borrowed from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and the Patti Smith Group. 

The show started on a high, with the ensemble working through a lively rendition of “Bertha” before following up with “Touch of Grey.” The In The Dark tune was sung by Kanika Moore, with support from fellow players: Tom Hamilton, Aron Magner, Reed Mathis, Kreutzmann, and Daniel Donato. The cosmic country musician, who previously played with Kreuztmann in New Orleans, took charge of “Beat It Down the Line” before “That’s What Love Will Make You Do.” The group went with the classic “Help on the Way!” into “Slipknot!” pairing. Then, they added “The Wheel” before “Shakedown Street” took them into a set break.

After catching their breaths, set two commenced with “Drums” and “Space,” which ran over into The Beatles’ psychedelic number, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” helmed by Donato. In time, Robert Hunter’s masterpiece, “Terrapin Station” was played, and “Foolish Heart” eventually emerged. Moore worked through “Scarlet Begonias” and Stevie Wonder’s “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” using her powerful vocals and adding new life to the favored covers.

For the final song of the main frame, the group played Jerry Garcia’s “Deal.” With the arrival of the night’s encore emerged a heartfelt rendition of “Ship of Fools,” followed by a breathtaking cover of the Patti Smith Group’s “Because The Night,” both songs were sung by Moore. 

Of note, James Casey could not perform during the show (and will not be at the New York City follow-up on Friday, August 18) due to health concerns stemming from a colon cancer diagnosis. Via social media, the saxophonist wrote: “Hey guys, I tried my hardest to be there this week…I really did. Unfortunately, I’m in and out of the hospital all week. I won’t be out in time for the shows so I’m sorry I’ll miss them. Hopefully I’ll see you all soon….” 

If you or someone you know would like to assist with Casey’s health care costs, please donate to the artist’s GoFundMe champagne. Learn more here. 

Scroll down to view last night’s setlist via Setlist.FM. 

Billy & The Kids 

Pier Six Pavilion – Baltimore 

August 16, 2023

Set I: Bertha, Touch of Grey, Beat It Down the Line, That’s What Love Will Make You Do, Help On The Way > Slipknot! > The Wheel, They Love Each Other, Shakedown Street 

Set II: Drums > Space > Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds > Terrapin Station, Foolish Heart > Scarlet Begonias, Boogie On Reggae Woman, Deal 

Enc.: Ship of Fools, Because The Night