Fans at Lockn’ 2018 feasted on a very special set on Saturday evening when New Orleans royalty mixed it up with jam band royalty.
John Mayer and George Porter, Jr. Photo by Bob Adamek.
The Foundation of Funk tore into their hour long set with an energetic version of Same Old Thing going seamlessly into Africa, then hitting Just Kissed My Baby and Cissy Strut. After that Cyril Neville joined the fray to sing Gossip and Doodle Oop, further tightening the deep and soulful grooves. To that point the band, made up of George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, Cyril Neville and Dumpstaphunk band mates Tony Hall, Ian and Ivan Neville, had the crowd transfixed, playing with the enthusiasm of kids. But they managed to find yet another gear when they brought up four guests from the festival’s headlining act, Dead & Company. John Mayer and Bob Weir plugged in guitars along Neville and Hall, and drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart put down percussion gear next to Zigaboo, raising the stakes of the set considerably.
The now giant collaboration tore into Hey Pockey Way, which they connected to Iko Iko. John Mayer started Fire on the Bayou with a fabulous guitar solo, playing it right to George Porter Jr., the two musicians grinning back and forth as they played together. The now 10 piece band finished off the set with a fabulous Ain’t No Use. The stage was filled with seasoned musicians having as much fun as they could have while creating a buzz that ran through the crowd for the rest of the festival.
