Photos by: Dino Perrucci Written by: Chadbyrne R. Dickens The Capitol Theatre has housed some memorable Grateful Dead related concerts and on March 27th there was another impressive performance. Billy and the Kids brought multiple hours of Grateful Dead classics derived from the Europe ’72 tour. It was a night that will not soon be forgotten for those lucky enough to be in attendance. Billy and the Kids is the brainchild of iconic Grateful Dead drummer, Bill Kreutzman, and he enlists some talented musicians to bring it home. The Kids are Aron Magner (Disco Biscuits), Tommy Hamilton (American Babies) and Reed Mathis (Tea Leaf Green). Highlights included a bouncy and uptempo “Cold Rain and Snow” which started the danceathon. “Dire Wolf”, “Sitting on Top of the World” and “Big River” followed in the melodic frenzy. Magner really stole the show with his trancy wizardry behind the keyboard. Hamilton and Mathis altered lead vocals and Mathis led a sing-a-long with a poignant “Ramble on Rose” which reached crescendo during the “Take you to the leader of the band” section. Sacred steel guitar maestro, Robert Randolph, joined the fray for a bevy of tunes including “Who Do you Love?” As usual, Randolph mesmerized the crowed with his fancy finger work on the pedal steel. The second set was buoyed by a rambunctious “Bertha” before a scorching “Loser” complete with a masterful guitar solo. Fans were happy to take in “Deal” before the fan favorite “Casey Jones” tore the house down. For the encore, the band invited Robert Randolph out again for a meticulous “Brokedown Palace.” With psychedelic projections adorning the Cap’s walls, as well as a bonafide light show presented by Umphrey McGee’s Jefferson Waful left attendees in sensory overload. Billy and the Kids was an all-star lineup of professional musicians who successfully parlayed their love of the storied Grateful Dead catalog. It was a joyous romp for all.       Photos by: Dino Perrucci The Capitol Theatre Photo Gallery [gallery link="file" columns="4" ids="|"]