Dave Schools & Friends Stage a Secret New York Show With Warren Haynes and Grace Potter, Then Take Over Brooklyn Bowl
A rotating supergroup of jam scene veterans turned one surprise ballroom gig and two Williamsburg nights into a three night New York run.
Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools spent the first week of November making New York City his own. On Wednesday, November 4th, 2026, Dave Schools & Friends played an unannounced secret show at the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center, with surprise appearances from Warren Haynes and Grace Potter. Two billed nights at Brooklyn Bowl followed on Thursday, November 5th, and Friday, November 6th.
The Secret Show
The Manhattan Center gig was part of Music Club, a membership program that books major touring acts into club sized rooms without revealing the performers in advance. Members walked in without knowing who would be on stage, and the night delivered two heavyweight sit ins. Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Haynes and Grace Potter both joined the band, turning a surprise warm up into one of the more talked about jam scene moments of the week.
The Band
Schools assembled a rotating cast of familiar names. Steve Kimock handled guitar, joined by his son John Kimock on drums. Tom Hamilton of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead added guitar and vocals, Jennifer Hartswick of the Trey Anastasio Band brought trumpet and vocals, and Adam MacDougall of Circles Around the Sun played keys. Alex Koford of the Terrapin Family Band rounded things out on percussion and vocals.
Brooklyn Bowl
The band then moved to Williamsburg for two nights. On Thursday, Hartswick and Koford took the vocals on the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” and fan shot video of the moment has circulated online. Friday’s first set included “Outta Space,” “Superhighway,” “Come Together,” “Mountain Song,” “Big Railroad Blues,” “Waiting for a Miracle,” and “Living on the Highway.” The encore paired “Sweeten the Distance” with “China Cat Sunflower” into “I Know You Rider,” a fitting send off from a bassist with deep roots in the Grateful Dead songbook. Full show video of the Friday performance has also been posted by fans.
Catch Up
Live For Live Music has the full report, along with links to fan shot video and photos from the run, in its coverage of the three nights. You can also revisit the venue’s Brooklyn Bowl event page.
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