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Dark Star Orchestra on Tour
More than just a tribute band, the seven members of the Dark Star Orchestra are dedicated to the Grateful Dead live experience, best known for playing full setlists picked from their 2,000+ concerts. The Grateful Dead's live show is legendary, a catalog of improvisation traded and celebrated across decades. The Dark Star Orchestra re-creates the Dead's intra-band interplay and pastoral guitar soloing. Remarkably devoted and true to the source material, DSO tailors their arrangements, gear and tempos to the era of the evening. Some nights find the DSO creating original setlists, playing sets from the Jerry Garcia Band or even jamming with members of the Dead themselves.
Dark Star Orchestra in Concert
Formed in Chicago in 1997, Dark Star Orchestra provides generations of fans with the chance to experience entire Grateful Dead sets, song by song. Named after "Dark Star," a part of the Dead's set known for exploratory jams, DSO rose to national prominence in 1998 when Mike Gordon and John Fishman of Phish joined them for a performance of the Dead's 1983 Halloween show. DSO promptly became a touring sensation: At 2,800 shows and counting, DSO have played more shows than the Grateful Dead themselves. They ultimately enlisted keyboardist Rob Barraco of Phil Lesh and Friends, the Other Ones and the 2003 touring version of the Dead. The DSO have played Bonnaroo and Milwaukee's SummerFest, and they've been hosting their own annual fests for years - the Dark Star Jubilee in Ohio and the Jam in the Sand in Jamaica. Perhaps the most important honor for DSO, though, is enlisting actual members of the Grateful Dead, having performed on stage accompanied by Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux, Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten. A 2018 show even found guitarist Jeff Mattson playing Jerry Garcia's custom-made guitar, "Wolf," which the Dead founder used for two decades.
Second year running we have been at the New Year's Eve show of DSO at the Capital. This show including an encore after they had played intensely long after midnight too, was superb in every way. The Balloons, light show were fun but the music was the thing. Very tight and very loud and very fast and pure fun and beautiful music.
Great sound and musicians. Always enjoy their shows
My first time seeing DSO. After spending a chuck of the summer following the wrap-up tour for Dead & Co. felt like this music was the way to end the year and start the new one. A bunch of talented folks played some Dead classics and some not so classic tunes. All around me people were dancing and twirling and generally have a fine time. Any concert that brings that much joy gets 5 stars. Sorry to say, it kind of made me sad. May not get to see the music performed again by Bobby, John, and Oteil. DSO does not claim to be Dead & Co or anything else but DSO. As they say, it's me, not you. But didn't quite do it for me.
Hot from the get go! They were really clicking, and I guessed the set list- seeing the Travis Bean beforehand I guessed maybe '76- googled 76 set lists, picked the first Passaic NJ show 6/17/76 and to my amazement picked the one! even the slower ones which sometimes can be a snooze were really well played- a 10/10
As usual a great concert lots of fun. Great venue. Bring back happy memories
I have enjoyed Darkstar for quite a few years .They never disappoint and generally go see them any time they are with a 150 miles from my home. Friday 12/29/23 was very good. Thanks
Great band Great audience and great vibes! This is the closest thing to The Grateful Dead you'll ever see! Awesome concert! looking forward to next time!
2nd time at this venue got ripped off at the bar. 9.00 dollar beer cost me 14, 13+tip The amount of garbage left by people was disgusting. Line at lounge took longer to get drink then at main bars.
DSO finished a long-awaited 3-nite run in Florida. I was at St Augustine and St Pete shows. Both were outstanding, aside for a 3-5 minute rainstorm. Only the band got a little spray as they continued to play. I was part of the 15, or so, JITS group members who came from about 6 States. With JITS only 1 month away we were pumped. Now 10 days away from 4 days of DSO multi-sets and hanging out with them. Dino had something to eat with us before the show. Hey guys, thanx for a Grate primer for the JITS24 week. See you at the pool for lunch, and Dino I'll see you at the PingPong table. I have 2 new paddles to break in.
First time seeing dark star and loved it! Definitely coming back again next year!
This OldSlowMan missed you at the Oak. Sorry for my luck. How do we explain perfection. Each member played in sync, I cadence, and turned corners together. EXCELLENT GUYS. Should wore your hats in StPete....lol.. see you in a few weeks. 🇮🇱☝️🐻🕎🎶🕎✌️💜🇮🇱
DSO was, for lack of a better term. ON! Lisa's voice was incredible. I noticed both Jefff and Skippy were playing older guitars. Skip getting back to that Raw Bass of the 70's. Jeff floated the notes above our heads to drain down over us. The Robs were playing all all around like a mystic sound hovering above. Jeff was pushing the envelope when he a chance. This was all possible due to 2 of the best drummers around, moving that train down thr tracks. I can not wait the 25 days until we are in Jamaica watching these guys 🇮🇱☝️🐻🕎🎶🕎✌️💜🇮🇱
Orchestra was fantastic but venue was the best. Cannot wait to attend more concerts!!
What a great band full of energy and a great sound.
Long time Head, 163 GD shows! Crowd and electricity in the air was perfect. Took my wife, never saw GD. Wanted her to see a close 2nd to the GD. Well, she loved the show and now understands my 45 year relationship. To DSO many thanks!!!😎👍
The sound was on point and the musicianship was Excellent. Crowd was very kind. If you never got to experience a Grateful Dead show before Jerry died this is the closest thing you will find. HIGHLY Recommended!
Everything you could want in a Grateful Dead cover band!!!
Best Dead tribute band in the country. Always a great performance and better in your hometown with all your deadhead friends!
Show was awesome...not a bad seat in the house...along with refreshments ;-)
Saw First dead show in 76, about 250 later, still loving Dead and all bands playing that groove. Dark Star is unbelievable. A kicking sets with sweet encore of Broke down palace, Playing reprise and ended with the Weight. Went with my 26 year old son, that is special.
