The Daily Nugs - March 20, 2024

From Grateful Dead of the Day

At the University of Iowa field house in 1971, the crowd collectively decided to fold up the chairs halfway through the show, creating a massive dance floor. The boys responded with an epic evening of rocking music punctuated by some fiery Jerry-led jams. But it is Pigpen who owns this show...just check out the gritty Hard to Handle, raging Good Lovin', and incredible Lovelight. Listen to the entire show at Grateful Dead of the Day.

Check out video of the Box Of Rain breakout (last time played July 28, 1973) on this day in 1986 at Hampton. And while you are there, watch the entire show, including the Estimated> Eyes and Wharf Rat out of Space. Or just cue it up on audio.

With Bruce goading Jerry to some lucid, beatific playing, the first set from this smoking north-of-the-border show bristles with energy from the luminous Althea to the deep and bluesy Same Thing to the transcendent Bird Song. And the second half just takes off from there with a funky Shakedown, steamy Man Smart, charging Other One, and brilliant Standing on the Moon with a Dark Star at the heart of it all. Treat your ears to Hunter Seamon's matrix, read more about the show, and revel in a late, great performance by the boys.

March 20th Shows and Recordings:

• 1970 – Capitol Theater – Port Chester, New York

• 1971 – Iowa Field House – Iowa City, Iowa

• 1977 – Winterland Arena – San Francisco, California

• 1981 – Rainbow Theater – London, England

• 1986 – Hampton Coliseum – Hampton, Virginia

• 1991 – Capital Centre – Landover, Maryland

• 1992 – Copps Coliseum – Hamilton, Ontario

• 1993 – The Omni – Atlanta, Georgia

• 1994 – Richfield Coliseum – Richfield, Ohio

Until tomorrow, spread the love and enjoy the music!