Just because your name is at the top does not mean you have to hog the spotlight. Producer and musician Don Was performed Sunday evening at Garcia's in Chicago's West Loop, where he kept the focus on his band, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble. Garcia's was an appropriate venue for this band. The club is named in honor of Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia and often features Grateful Dead tribute bands. Was collaborated for years with Dead guitarist Bob Weir and, on this night, the group played all songs from the GD's 1975 album "Blues for Allah." The tour began last year to celebrate the album's 50th anniversary, but it became even more poignant after Weir's passing earlier this month.

Mr. Was began the show by reading a poem written in honor of Jerry Garcia shortly after his death. He dedicated the reading to his friend Weir.

After this tribute, Was stepped back and let the nine-piece band take over. He provided rhythm on his upright bass but allowed others in the band to shine. And what a band he assembled! Each instrumentalist excelled at their craft. The group boasted a university professor, an Oscar winner (keyboardist Luis Resto, co-composer and co-producer of Eminem's "Lose Yourself"), and a group of artists who have played with major stars. The dance moves of singer Stefanie Christi'an might have stolen the show, had it not been for her impressive vocal range. Each band member came from Was's (and my) hometown of Detroit. When playing cover songs, Don insisted they were not doing karaoke. They put their own spin on each song, as they "Detroit-ified" the music.

Was described the Ensemble's music as "Soul Jazz," and their debut album - "Groove in the Face of Adversity," reflects this label.

Don Was has an impressive resume. He has produced albums by The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt. He is the President of Blue Note Records. He has won six Grammys! He does not need to prove himself. He brought a great band and an excellent performance to Chicago on a chilly night.