As Quactus began the long arduous journey of touring in support of their new album A Sense of We, the first leg of their journey was certainly one that will go down in the “you should have been there” scrapbook of shows.
Starting with San Diego’s Winston’s show with Steve Molitz on September 2nd Quactus set out to let the jam band world know that not only could they bring it along, they’ve got some solid friends behind them the likes of Molitz. The San Diego crowd certainly showed their appreciation. Quactus delivered a two set, 3+ hour performance to the Ocean Beach crowd. “Thursday night rarely sounds this good” was overheard by one of the many satisfied concert goers.
Setlist from San Diego:
Winston’s; 9/2/10
SET 1: Poinephobe, Firefly, The Journey > Them > Better Days, At Ease, Alligator, Superflitious, Have A Cigar > Somebody Says > The Offer, A Little Less Conversation
SET 2: Might Be You > Happy Birthday Billy, Fever Boy, Poison, Fearless, Wine > Knight Rider Jam > Finally Free, Launchpad
Thursday in San Diego was followed by a 3 hour trip up the coast to Ventura, CA where Quactus played with supporting acts The Situation and Rachael Sedacca & Friends at Golden China…a Chinese restaurant. Now, when I first saw this place I thought “Polynesian Palace” circa 1978. Shocked, however, was I when the dinner wait staff retired and was replaced by cocktail waitresses, laser lights and a booming sound system. The place was transformed into a really interesting venue. Large room, crappy sound…but that can be fixed. Quactus’ support, The Situation and Rachael Sedacca rocked the early part of the evening until Quactus took the stage around 11:30 pm.
Highlight from the evening’s set has to go to the long jammin’ Phish cover, “Suzy Greenberg.” The crowd agreed and filled the dance floor from that point on. Later on in the night, the crowd favorite, “Poison” by Bel Biv DeVoe reared it’s head, as did many of the folks in the karaoke bar inside the venue. They must have thought karaoke had opened up in the other room with the vintage rap cover. Other than a system wide PA meltdown late in the set, the show was great. Not sure about the venue’s sound system but you gotta check that place out regardless.
Set List from Ventura:
SET 1: Esprit D’escalier, Poinephobe, Suzy Greenberg > His Father’s Son, The Offer, Drinko, Wine, Poison, Superflitious