This week on Deadpod we're back at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco for the second set from 7/12/76, a show that has that special midsummer 1976 feel I've always loved: relaxed, open, and full of musical space, but with plenty of spark still in the band's step.

The set gets underway with a very nice "Sugaree," followed by a spirited "Samson And Delilah," and then we move into one of the great touchstones of the era — "Help On The Way" > "Slipknot!" > "Franklin's Tower," played here with real assurance and flow. From there the band keeps the momentum going with a lively "Dancing In The Street," and then settles into the deep emotional current of "Wharf Rat." After that comes "Drums," and then a wonderfully expansive "The Wheel" that helps push the set into its final stretch. "Around And Around" closes things out with some good old-fashioned punch, and "U.S. Blues" brings us home in the encore with just the right amount of swagger. It's a set that really shows what was happening with the Dead in 1976: the band had found a new balance, and they were making music with patience, depth, and a real sense of possibility. I hope you enjoy it.

Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA 7/12/1976 - Monday

Two Sugaree [10:53] % Samson And Delilah [6:46] % Help On The Way [4:32] > Slipknot! [7:44] > Franklin's Tower [14:11] Dancing In The Street [11:26] Wharf Rat [12:24] > Drums [4:41] > The Wheel [4:47] > Around And Around [7:07]

Encore U.S. Blues [7:20]

Grateful Dead Orpheum Theatre San Francisco, CA 7/12/1976 - Monday

Encore U.S. Blues [7:20]

You can listen to this week's Deadpod here: https://traffic.libsyn.com/deadshow/deadpod072426.mp3 "summertime done, come and gone my oh my"