Saxophonist Skerik joins Joe Russo's Almost Dead onstage at Remlinger Farms

Joe Russo's Almost Dead closed out a weekend of Pacific Northwest shows Saturday with a concert at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington, bringing saxophonist Skerik onstage for most of their second set.

Skerik opened the second set with a nine-minute jam that flowed into "The Eleven," then stayed on for an adventurous "St. Stephen" that folded in a "Black Peter" jam before "I Need A Miracle." The band played a stretch without him, running through "He's Gone," "Foolish Heart" and "Lawyers, Guns & Money" into a well-jammed "Throwing Stones," before Skerik returned for that song's jam and stuck around for the "I Know You Rider" set closer.

Skerik's appearance builds on a long history with Joe Russo's Almost Dead keyboardist Marco Benevento, who previously played together in Garage A Trois. The two also shared a notable 2023 collaboration that marked Skerik's return to performing after a severe neck and shoulder injury. Earlier in the night, the band's first set leaned on Grateful Dead staples including "Row Jimmy," "Cassidy," "Fire On The Mountain" and "Truckin'," along with a run through Bob Weir's solo song "Gonesville."

The Remlinger Farms show wrapped up the group's Pacific Northwest dates before Joe Russo's Almost Dead heads into Colorado for three more shows in Denver, Vail and Dillon, running August 20 through 22, part of a busy stretch for the rock and jam scene this month.