Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, who was in town for two nights of Dead Feat, walked into the Howlin Wolf for a drink yesterday when he heard a band in the back jamming to the classic Dead tune “Scarlet Begonias.” He couldn’t help himself and joined the Wes Williams Band on drums. The young band had no idea who he was until afterwards, when they asked him his name! Only in New Orleans!

No One Notices Grateful Dead’s Bill Kreutzmann Drumming In The Middle of San Francisco

Kreutzmann gushed on his Facebook page,

“Today was one of those days when I was reminded of just how much of a joy and a privilege it is to make music with people. I walked into a bar in New Orleans and heard a band in the empty back room playing “Scarlet Begonias.” I couldn’t help myself. I just had to play it with them. The drummer handed me his sticks and I jammed it out with the young bassist and guitarist. Afterwards, they freaked out about how much fun it was and they asked me my name. When I told them who I was…well…it was a pretty special moment. But it was before then — when I first got behind their drums and played my first beat with these strangers…young kids trying on a song that I had the honor of playing around the world…that the joy in my eyes lit up. Thank you, New Orleans. Never change.”