Garcia’s Chicago, a restaurant/concert venue inspired by the legendary Jerry Garcia, offered a surprisingly sophisticated backdrop for an intimate evening with Grace Potter. Forget any preconceived notions of tie-dye and dancing bears; this upscale venue, a collaboration between the Garcia family and concert promoter Peter Shapiro, boasts rich dark wood walls adorned with select Grateful Dead-era photos, comfortable booths with elegant glass lamps, and a well-stocked bar beneath an impressive record collection.
Potter’s solo performance over three nights was a vibrant affair, as she moved between keyboard and guitar, showcasing her energetic stage presence, engaging humor (including a spot-on Animal from the Muppets impression), and musical versatility. Despite admitting unfamiliarity with the lyrics of “Ripple,” she playfully improvised her own version, even weaving in a nod to Peter Shapiro’s role in bringing her to Chicago.
The night unfolded as a delightful mix of her own hits, Grateful Dead tunes, a whimsical detour into the “My Little Pony” theme, and heartfelt covers like Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” and the Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers.”
For a complete rundown of the songs, you can find the setlist here.
