By Gary Lambert

Jackie Greene and Phil at Sweetwater, 7/7/07
(Photo: Bob Minkin)

Phil Lesh, while showing that he can still rock a large crowd in a large way (as he did in June at the Mountain Jam in upstate New York, with a Phil & Friends ensemble featuring the formidable guitar tandem of John Scofield and Warren Haynes), continued his recent trend toward off-the-cuff, under-the-radar shows at some remarkably intimate venues. Last month we reported on his quick hop into New York City for two club dates. And in the days around the Fourth of July, Phil, in collaboration with the Unbroken Chain Foundation, presided over a very special series of events to benefit a cause dear to his heart: Homeward Bound of Marin, a provider of transitional and long-term housing and support services for homeless people in Marin County. For this endeavor, participants were asked not just to donate funds, but also their time, skills and sweat in helping Homeward Bound build a new classroom for children of homeless families. As thanks for their efforts, the volunteers were invited to a party at a private residence in Marin, complete with a barbeque dinner and a poolside performance by Phil and some of his talented Friends. To warm up for that shindig, Phil decided to do another stealthy little gig the night before the pool party, at the tiny, legendary Mill Valley musicians’ hangout, the Sweetwater. Along with old Friends John Molo, Barry Sless and Steve Molitz, Phil welcomed someone new to the fold: the phenomenally talented young singer/songwriter/guitarist Jackie Greene. The evening (which was dedicated to Mark Karan) featured a generous helping of Grateful Dead standbys and some intriguing covers, and the consensus among the lucky throng that made it into the cozy saloon was that the Phil/Jackie connection could be the start of another beautiful friendship.

NOTE: Just after we went to press (or whatever the heck it is we "go to" in this post-paper age), it was announced that Phil Lesh and Friends had scheduled another Bay Area club date, on July 21, at The Independent in San Francisco. Larry Campbell rejoins the lineup for this one.

Phil and Friends, Rockin' By The Pool, 7/8/07 (Photo: Bob Minkin)