There are concerts that live forever in the hearts of fans — those rare nights where everything clicks, when sound, spirit, and spontaneity collide into pure musical magic. For The Grateful Dead, one of those transcendent performances happened on November 4, 1977, inside Cotterell Court at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. This show, captured with incredible clarity and warmth, has stood the test of time as one of the band’s most celebrated live moments — and this week, Don’s Pick Radio Show brings that entire performance back to life for listeners to experience all over again.
Known for delivering every song as the live version, always, Don’s Pick isn’t just a radio show — it’s a journey into the heart of live music. Hosted by longtime Deadhead and music curator Don Lichterman, the program has become a must-listen for fans of authentic live performances and timeless recordings. You can explore more broadcasts and other featured programs on Explore New Jersey’s Radio Stations section.
The Grateful Dead’s 1977 run is widely regarded as one of their most creatively inspired eras, and the Colgate show perfectly embodies that magic. Recorded by the legendary sound engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson, whose meticulous soundboard recordings have become fan treasures, this concert glows with the warmth and power of a band in complete control of its craft.
The First Set: Energy, Precision, and Playful Spirit
The night bursts open with “Bertha,” a quintessential Dead opener that sets the tone immediately — bright, joyful, and brimming with energy. Without hesitation, the band slides into “Good Lovin’,” with Bob Weir taking the lead alongside the soulful harmonies of Donna Jean Godchaux. The chemistry is undeniable; it’s clear from the start that this isn’t just another show — it’s a musical conversation between friends who speak an unspoken language onstage.
From there, the band eases into “Brown-Eyed Women,” Garcia’s vocals rich with nostalgia and warmth, before diving into the elegant complexity of “Cassidy.” The group’s ability to balance structure and improvisation shines here, Keith Godchaux’s piano lines dancing around Garcia’s guitar as the rhythm section holds everything in perfect sync.
Mid-set, the energy softens with the heartfelt “It Must Have Been the Roses” and Donna Jean’s ethereal “Sunrise,” offering moments of quiet reflection before the band builds the pace again. “New Minglewood Blues” brings a gritty jolt of energy, and “Dupree’s Diamond Blues” adds a playful touch of storytelling charm. The first set closes in true 1977 style with “Let It Grow” — a storm of swirling solos and soaring crescendos that leaves the crowd in awe and sets a high bar for the second half.
The Second Set: Deep Exploration and Emotional Power
Introduced by the Jones Gang, the second set erupts with “Samson and Delilah,” driven by Phil Lesh’s thunderous bass and the twin drumming power of Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann. The intensity continues with “Cold Rain and Snow,” its placement a perfect prelude to one of the most spectacular jam sequences of the entire tour.
The heart of the performance is a breathtaking suite:
“Playing in the Band → Eyes of the World → Estimated Prophet → The Other One.”
It’s the Dead at their most fearless. “Playing in the Band” unravels into rhythmic exploration, leading seamlessly into the shimmering, joyful tones of “Eyes of the World.” Garcia’s soloing here is luminous — lyrical, expressive, and full of optimism. “Estimated Prophet” follows with its haunting groove, before dissolving into the cosmic chaos of “The Other One,” where the entire band dives into the unknown with bold improvisation and near-telepathic interplay.
From that swirling peak comes “Drums,” a primal interlude of rhythm and heartbeat that melts into the crowd favorite “Iko Iko,” pure fun and celebration. The mood shifts as “Stella Blue” takes the spotlight, Garcia delivering one of his most emotionally powerful performances of the night — tender, reflective, and deeply human. Finally, the band closes the circle, returning to “Playing in the Band,” completing the musical journey with elegance and cohesion.
Encore: A Classic Finish to a Timeless Show
As the audience roars in approval, The Dead cap off the night with a fiery “Johnny B. Goode.” It’s the perfect finale — loud, loose, and full of joy — a nod to their rock roots and a reminder of how effortlessly they could shift from transcendent improvisation to pure, good-time energy.
The Band That Night
Jerry Garcia – Guitar, Vocals
Donna Jean Godchaux – Vocals
Keith Godchaux – Keyboards
Phil Lesh – Bass, Vocals
Bob Weir – Guitar, Vocals
Mickey Hart – Drums
Bill Kreutzmann – Drums
Recording Engineer: Betty Cantor-Jackson
Experience It Again with Don’s Pick Radio Show
Every Saturday night, Don’s Pick Radio Show takes listeners deep into the world of live music, celebrating legendary performances from artists who defined generations. This week’s feature — The Grateful Dead’s November 4, 1977 show at Colgate University — is a reminder of why the band continues to inspire fans decades later. Each jam, each transition, and each note is presented exactly as it happened, allowing listeners to step back into that electric night in upstate New York.
Tune in, turn it up, and let the music wash over you. This isn’t just a replay — it’s a rediscovery of a defining moment in American music history. With Don’s Pick, the spirit of live performance never fades; it lives on, note by note, broadcast by broadcast, for every fan who still believes in the magic of a perfect show.
Catch this week’s episode and more through Explore New Jersey’s Radio Stations — where the best of live music continues to thrive.
