At Dead Set Live, every track we spin is the live version—because nothing captures the Grateful Dead like their unrepeatable, in-the-moment performances. And tonight, for Don’s Pick, we’re spotlighting September 1, 1969, when the Dead took the stage at the Baton Rouge International Speedway in Prairieville, Louisiana, during the iconic New Orleans Pop Festival.
This show is a true time capsule: the band was on the cusp of a major evolution, blending their psychedelic explorations with the rootsy Americana sound that would soon define Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty.
The Setting – A Festival to Remember
The New Orleans Pop Festival was one of the late ’60s most legendary gatherings, bringing a sprawling lineup to the racetrack just as Woodstock fever gripped the nation. By the time the Dead hit the stage, they were already famous for improvisational marathons and fearless live experimentation.
Unlike some of their marathon two-set shows, this performance was concise but packed with fresh material, giving listeners a glimpse of the Dead’s upcoming studio evolution.
Setlist – September 1, 1969
- Casey Jones
- Morning Dew → Mama Tried → High Time
- Easy Wind
- Yellow Dog Story
- Dark Star → Saint Stephen → The Eleven
- Turn On Your Lovelight
Highlights from the Night
Casey Jones
The show kicks off with an early live version of “Casey Jones,” playful and wide open—a raw snapshot of a song destined to become a classic.
Morning Dew → Mama Tried → High Time
This sequence flows seamlessly, from the apocalyptic intensity of “Morning Dew” into Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried,” then into the aching balladry of “High Time.” It’s a masterclass in blending genres in one continuous live set.
Easy Wind
Pigpen takes center stage for “Easy Wind,” delivering soulful vocals that anchor the show in bluesy authenticity.
Yellow Dog Story
Before launching into “Dark Star,” Bob Weir entertains the crowd with his infamous “Yellow Dog Story.” This humorous anecdote, often told during pauses for string changes or technical difficulties, adds a personal touch to the performance. While the full story isn’t documented in the setlist, its inclusion showcases the band’s rapport with their audience and their penchant for spontaneous storytelling.
The Heart of the Show: Dark Star → Saint Stephen → The Eleven
The centerpiece trio is a psychedelic tour de force. “Dark Star” bends time and space, segueing into the melodic brilliance of “Saint Stephen,” and culminating in the polyrhythmic, hypnotic “The Eleven.” This is where the show truly soars.
Turn On Your Lovelight
Pigpen closes with a raucous, extended “Lovelight,” leaving the crowd energized and the set on a high note—classic Dead, in every sense.
A Transitional Moment in Dead History
This Baton Rouge performance captures a band at a crossroads. Psychedelic explorations meet structured songwriting, with tracks like “Casey Jones” and “High Time” destined for Workingman’s Dead, and “Easy Wind” heading for American Beauty. Fans get a front-row seat to a band in motion, stretching the boundaries of live performance.
Tonight on Dead Set Live: Don’s Pick
As Don’s Pick, tonight’s show is a reminder of the magic of live music:
🎶 Tonight’s Feature:
1969-09-01 – Baton Rouge International Speedway, Prairieville, LA
The Grateful Dead at the New Orleans Pop Festival
Every song you hear is played live, just the way the Dead intended. From cosmic improvisations to bluesy storytelling, this set is a masterclass in early Dead energy and creativity.
Why This Show Still Resonates
Over fifty years later, this performance continues to captivate. It’s the sound of a band evolving, testing new material, and creating moments that could only happen in front of a live audience. Tonight, Dead Set Live keeps that legacy alive. Press play, turn it up, and let the Grateful Dead of 1969 transport you to a racetrack in Louisiana where the music never stopped.
