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Big river debuted on New Year’s Eve 1971, with Garcia taking one of the verses on lead vocal and singing duet with Bobby on a couple others. It wouldn’t show up again for 49 shows, at Boston music hall in the fall of ‘72. After which it was played virtually every show up through the hiatus and a bit thereafter. As an aside, 12-31-71 also marked the first appearance by Donna on vocals. Thanks, Count2, for the easy to look up song stats!

Fall/Winter ‘79 is the goods! 12/26 is the culmination - IMO. Amongst the best post-1970 setlists

I love that show. Interesting stage banter before Masters Bouquet, Bobby knows the tune and Jerry doesn’t. That’s a rarity in itself. I just listened to 12/26/79. My favorite era for space, about when I started, so have always referred to space as “dinosaurs on the moon”

Hey Jen, depending on heavily sold the venue is (which will probably be the case on NYE) sometimes they will wristband for the floor, so you could only get down there if you have GA. If it’s packed, though, the floor will be tough to find a space to dance. You’ll still be able to get down to the front lobby section, which is ok for space albeit a little quiet. Some dancers will also take up residence in the upper hallway, also pretty good for space but not very loud. Hope this helps, see you there!