Photo via The National’s Twitter account

The very first performance of the Dessners Day of the Dead compilation took place last night at their own Eaux Claires Music Festival featuring many of those who helped with the 59-track tribute to the Grateful Dead. Joining Aaron and Bryce in the core band included National bandmates Scott and Bryan Devendorf as well as Josh Kaufman, Walter Martin and more. 

Among the highlights from the set included Will Oldham leading the ensemble through an early “Bird Song” as well as Bruce Hornsby teaming with Phil and Brad Cook for “Brown-Eyed Women.” Justin Vernon also made a couple appearances on the night, first with “Black Muddy River” along with Cook and Hornsby and then later on in the set for “Ripple.”

The singers of Lucius joined in for “Uncle John’s Band” before Unknown Mortal Orchestra led their infectiously funky rendition of “Shakedown Street.” Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy) then offered up two more of his tracks as he took vocals on “Rubin & Cherise” and “If I Had the World to Give.”

Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry emerged for “Brokedown Palace” and Jenny Lewis made her second appearance during the set, teaming with Moses Sumney for “Cassidy” following an earlier performance of “Sugaree.”

The set closed with The National’s Matt Berninger’s somber reading of “Morning Dew” before the closing pairing of “And We Bid You Goodnight” as well as “Ripple,” which featured Berninger along with Justin Vernon and others.

For more on the Eaux Claires set, read our latest interview with Aaron Dessner.

Here’s a look at the setlist:

Day of the Dead
Eaux Claires Music Festival, Eau Claires, WI

Yellow Dog Story, Drums > Bird Song, Sugaree, Brown Eyed Women, Black Muddy River, Uncle Johns Band, Shakedown Street, Ruben & Cherise, If I Had the World to Give, Brokedown Palace, Cassidy, Standing on the Moon, Going Down the Road, Morning Dew, And We Bid You Goodnight, Ripple