Photos via Darrell Scott’s Facebook page

Mike Gordon made a surprise appearance with noted singer-songwriter Darrell Scott at Boulder, CO’s eTown Hall last night. The bassist, who is in town for Phish’s annual three-show Labor Day weekend run at Commerce City, CO’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, emerged at the end of Scott’s first set for Townes Van Zandt’s “White Freightliner Blues” and Johnny Cash’s “Big River.” Then, partway through Scott’s second set, eTown founder and Hot Rize bassist Nick Forster emerged on guitar for “Colorado” and remained on stage as Gordon returned for “It’s The Whiskey That Eases The Pain,” Hank Williams’ “Weary Blues From Waiting,” “Born To Fly” and “Wayfaring Pilgrim.”

Gordon has performed on eTown before, notably recording a session with Leo Kottke in 2005. Phish has worked a few Hot Rize songs into their catalog as well, including “Nellie Kane,” which they have played 75 times since 1993, mostly recently at Boulder’s Folsom Field last summer. They also ran through “Midnight on the Highway” once in 1996, after jamming on the bluegrass cut while crossing the border into Canada at night.  

Phish will kick off their Dick’s run this evening. Gordon also recently sat in with his bandmate Bob Wagner for a series of honky-tonk tunes in Vermont, alongside his daughter Tessa. Grace Potter also emerged during the evening.