Concert Review: Oteil & Friends Nashua Center for the Arts in Nashua, New Hampshire

Joanna Gleason
3 hours ago
2 min read

Nashua Center for the Arts in Nashua, New Hampshire, welcomed Oteil Burbridge's band, Oteil & Friends, on August 8, 2026. A founding member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, which featured his brother Kofi Burbridge on keyboards and flute, Oteil is also a founding member of Dead & Company and a former member of the Allman Brothers Band. He is a well-known and exceptional bass player and singer.

In 2017, the two-time Grammy-winning bassist decided to form this outstanding band of all-star musicians to perform Grateful Dead and other music in an improvisational style, featuring genres such as rock, jazz, and a touch of gospel. The sold-out show was exceptional. The Nashua Center for the Arts, already recognized as a premier music venue with a high-quality sound system and vibrant atmosphere, became the setting for an unforgettable evening of live jam music. Fans traveled from across New England to enjoy the concert.

Most of the fans, many of them Baby Boomers and devoted Deadheads, were excited to once again hear and dance to songs by the Grateful Dead, the legendary American rock band formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1965.

The three-hour show in Nashua featured a cohesive mix of:

• Grateful Dead songs

• Allman Brothers Band songs

• Jerry Garcia Band songs

• Steve Kimock compositions

• Oteil & Friends originals

With a talented lineup that included Oteil Burbridge (bass), Steve Kimock (lead guitar), Jason Crosby (multi-instrumentalist), John Morgan Kimock (drums), Tom Guarna (guitar), Melvin Seals (organ), and Lamar Williams Jr. (vocals), Oteil & Friends delivered a terrific performance. The Nashua Center for the Arts, with its modern design and outstanding acoustics, was the perfect venue for such a magical concert. The music was incredible, featuring extended improvisational jams that captivated the audience.

The performance showcased the remarkable musicianship of every member of the band. Their seamless interplay, improvisational creativity, and deep connection to the music created a memorable experience for everyone in attendance. For fans of the Grateful Dead, jam bands, and improvisational rock music, it was a truly special evening with Oteil & Friends.