First, the refreshed beacon is a sight to behold. It looks the same as the old, but it... POPS. The gold leaf jumps out and shines, the murals have deep color, and no, it was not the Grateful Dead related refreshments. I saw all three nights at the Beacon and Ratodg took the place by storm. Mr. Weir was his usual energetic self, but the BAND was just outstanding. Mark Karan has kicked his guitar playing to new heights, punctuating his solos into monster crescendos. Kenny Brooks is one of the most underrated sax players out there. He provides fills so perfect you forget he's there, because they just FIT so well, then he steps ups, takes a solo and kicks the band to new heights. Jeff Chimenti on Keys is becoming a true member of the Grateful Dead. Having served in multiple bands with the utmost distinction, Chimenti has defined Dead keyboard work in this era, and he brought his A-game to the beacon. Behind them is the engine of Robin Sylvester and Jay lane, driving the rhythyms and holding the floor. Robins bass bombs in "The Other One" shook the rafters. But as every deadhead knows, this music is about chemistry (in so many ways), and this Band has it. Intuiting each others every move, the spent three nights moving effortlessly through music while the Beacon sparkled and the hippies danced. I hope this band is around for a long LONG time.