I've seen Warren
Haynes a number of times with The Dead,
including a very impressive solo warm-up slot at Alpine
Valley during their Wave That Flag tour in 2004.
But I've never had the chance to watch him play from
less than 10 yards away - which I was able to do (as
usual) at the Barrymore Theatre during Govt Mule's recent
performance. All I can say is "WOW!" Ankur's
experience was a similar one when he got to see Warren
Haynes jam at Bonnaroo a few years ago.
Rolling Stone has named him as the 23rd
greatest guitarist of all time. See him sometime. . . you
will understand.
![](../../images/GovtMule/GMule_Barrymore_103007-3.jpg)
I'm not at all familiar with the Mule
song catalogue, but I still thoroughly enjoyed their set.
Govt Mule is a real solid band - and you would expect no
less to accompany a guy who is used to touring with the
Allman Brothers Band. But make no mistake about it - this
is a Warren Haynes vehicle, and one that allows him to jam
away. They played two sets, and the sound was great. . .
One of my highlights was their brilliant cover of Radiohead's
"Creep." They also did an excellent Traffic cover
and a brief teaser of Shakedown
Street. For an encore, they played a beautiful version
of "Into the Mystic."
![](../../images/GovtMule/GMule_Barrymore_103007-4.jpg)
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A good crowd turned out to see Govt Mule,
and many of us made a point to be there for the opening
set by Grace
Potter and the Nocturnals. Those of us who saw GPN's
performance in June at the Memorial Union Terrace were
expecting a good set, and they certainly delivered.
I enjoyed this set even more - mostly
because of the improved sound quality. But once again
Grace proved herself a very able show-woman. Honestly,
she could probably get the guys in the audience to eat
out of her hand if she wanted to. (Not me, of course:)
![](../../images/GPN_Barrymore_103007-11.jpg)
Grace Potter gets a lot of attention,
but her band is really quite talented also. Scott Tournet
particularly impressed me on lead guitar, especially on
their cover of "Who Knows" from the Hendrix Band
of Gypsies album. I hope that one day soon he'll be
able to come back through town with his band - Blues and
Lasers (which also includes GPN bassist Bryan Dondero).
![](../../images/GPN_Barrymore_103007-6.jpg)
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We all know that the Madison area is
one of the best places in the country to live. As a music
fan I feel doubly blessed, because we enjoy great, intimate
venues and many opportunities to see outstanding music
performances. In major markets, most of us wouldn't be
able to get tickets to the packed shows these artists
would generate. Here it's easy and typically inexpensive.
The Barrymore
Theatre is one of my favorite live music venues in
Madison - with its casual atmosphere, great stage, generous
dance floor, and very nice selection of tap beers. If
you haven't been there in a while, check out their calendar
and "come out to play" sometime soon! [more
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals pictures from the show]
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