Grateful Dead - Out on Main Street Allan Theater, Cleveland,Ohio October 29 1971

For the country blues and boogie fans, Friday night at the Allen Theatre in downtown Cleveland was the place to be. The Grateful Dead played for a packed house until close to 2 a.m., making it one of the liveliest concerts ever to come to the Cleveland area. The sold-out concert also was broadcast in its entirety over rock station WNCR-FM, also a first for any major concert.
The show began at 7:30 p.m. with the back-up group - The New Ryders of the Purple Sage - an offshoot of the Grateful Dead. The Ryders played fine soothing country music - a smooth soulful sound.
The Grateful Dead came out on stage about 10 p.m. starting with their old favorite, "Truckin'."
The five-man group, complete with shorter than usual hair, and button-down-collared shirts, started back in Haight-Ashbury in 1965 when they gave free concerts. Led by Jerry Garcia, the group has recently begun a public relations campaign with gimmicks like Grateful Dead Month and "Dead" sweatshirts.
The Dead sounds are easy going and natural. On the whole, the concert was a unique one. It had everything - from flames shooting up on the side of the stage, to audience members dancing in the aisles. A very worthwhile show to see.
Mastered from the original broadcast tapes. Limited edition 2CD digipak.
Band
Jerry Garcia - Guitar, Vocals
Bob Weir - Guitar, Vocals
Phil Lesh - Bass, Vocals
Bill Kreutzmann - Drums
Keith Godcheaux - Piano, Organ