The Third Mind @ HopMonk Tavern, Novato, CA, USA, 06/29/2025

Opening the evening were Gill Brothers Band from Sonoma county, a very energetic four-piece playing a mix of rock and alt-country with a clear punkish vibe. They performed mostly their own songs, which were quite enjoyable, adding only one cover, Neil Young's Roll Another Number (For the Road). I especially liked Ain't Gettin' Paid, Ain't Gettin' Laid, featuring great slide guitar, and the closing number Throwin' Up was impressive too, presented as a "love song dedicated to Pabst Blue Ribbon," with lyrics like "throwin' up on my dick, now I'm really feeling sick."

The Third Mind experiment started with Sally Go 'Round the Roses. The mix was spot-on at HopMonk Sunday night, and the band sounded fantastic. They delivered a powerful Pretty Polly, originally an old murder ballad from the 18th century. It will appear on The Third Mind's third studio album, due in September 2025. East-West was a delight as usual, featuring Jenny Kerr on harmonica. Pharoah Sanders' The Creator Has a Master Plan was another highlight. Little Bit of Rain seamlessly transitioned into Dark Star, as they did before. For the encore, they played Highway 61 Revisited with Dave on lead vocals and Jenny joining again.

An excellent show in Target's parking lot. The Third Mind is getting better and better.

Set list (Gill Brothers Band, 6:02 PM — 6:45 PM): Fool's Gold, The Hollow Mountain, Roll Another Number (For the Road), The Rabbit, Heavy Rain, Nobody's Fool, The Creek, Ain't Gettin' Paid Ain't Gettin' Laid, Throwin' Up

Set list (The Third Mind, 7:17 PM — 9:00 PM): Sally Go 'Round the Roses, Groovin' Is Easy, In My Own Dream, Pretty Polly, Morning Dew, East-West (with Jenny Kerr on harmonica), Darkness Darkness, The Creator Has a Master Plan, Little Bit of Rain > Dark Star, Highway 61 Revisited (encore, with Jenny Kerr on harmonica)

( Few more pix... )