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Dark Star Orchestra Tickets

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Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 1377 reviews

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About

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.

Setlists

  1. Set 1:

    1. 1.Ramble On Rose (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 2.Black-Throated Wind (Bob Weir cover)
    3. 3.Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo (Grateful Dead cover)
    4. 4.Beat It on Down the Line (Jesse Fuller cover)
    5. 5.Row Jimmy (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 6.Jack Straw (Grateful Dead cover)
    7. 7.Let It Rock (Chuck Berry cover)
    8. 8.Cumberland Blues (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 9.El Paso (Marty Robbins cover)
    10. 10.To Lay Me Down (Jerry Garcia cover)
    11. 11.Weather Report Suite (Grateful Dead cover)
    12. 12.China Doll (Grateful Dead cover)

  2. Set 2:

    1. 13.Ship of Fools (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 14.Big River (Johnny Cash cover)
    3. 15.Black Peter (Grateful Dead cover)
    4. 16.Around and Around (Chuck Berry cover)
    5. 17.Dark Star Jam (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 18.Spanish Jam (Grateful Dead cover)
    7. 19.U.S. Blues (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 20.Uncle John's Band (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 21.One More Saturday Night (Bob Weir cover)

  3. Encore

    1. 22.Casey Jones (Grateful Dead cover)

  1. Set 1:

    1. 1.Sugaree (Jerry Garcia cover)
    2. 2.Run for the Roses (Jerry Garcia cover)
    3. 3.Box of Rain (Grateful Dead cover)
    4. 4.Next Time You See Me (Junior Parker cover)
    5. 5.Mission in the Rain (Jerry Garcia cover)
    6. 6.I'll Be With Thee ([traditional] cover)
    7. 7.That's What Love Will Make You Do (Little Milton cover)
    8. 8.From the Heart of Me (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 9.Midnight Moonlight (Old & In the Way cover)
    10. 10.Like a Road Leading Home (Albert King cover)
    11. 11.Deal (Jerry Garcia cover)

  2. Set 2:

    1. 12.The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff cover)
    2. 13.The Strange Man (Dorothy Love Coates cover)
    3. 14.They Love Each Other (Jerry Garcia cover)
    4. 15.Easy Wind (Grateful Dead cover)
    5. 16.Lonesome and a Long Way From Home (Delaney & Bonnie cover)
    6. 17.Drums > (Grateful Dead cover)
    7. 18.Space > (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 19.The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Traffic cover)
    9. 20.Love the One You're With (Stephen Stills cover)
    10. 21.Tangled Up in Blue (Bob Dylan cover)

  3. Encore

    1. 22.Ripple (Grateful Dead cover)

  1. Set 1:

    1. 1.Alabama Getaway > (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 2.Promised Land (Chuck Berry cover)
    3. 3.They Love Each Other > (Jerry Garcia cover)
    4. 4.El Paso (Marty Robbins cover)
    5. 5.Tennessee Jed (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 6.Cassidy (Bob Weir cover)
    7. 7.Althea > (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 8.Looks Like Rain (Bob Weir cover)
    9. 9.Far From Me (Grateful Dead cover)
    10. 10.The Music Never Stopped (Grateful Dead cover)

  2. Set 2:

    1. 11.China Cat Sunflower > (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 12.I Know You Rider > ([traditional] cover)
    3. 13.C.C. Rider (Elvis Presley cover)
    4. 14.Peggy-O ([traditional] cover)
    5. 15.Lost Sailor > (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 16.Saint of Circumstance > (Grateful Dead cover)
    7. 17.Drums > (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 18.Space > (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 19.Wharf Rat > (Grateful Dead cover)
    10. 20.I Need a Miracle > (Grateful Dead cover)
    11. 21.Bertha > (Grateful Dead cover)
    12. 22.Good Lovin' (The Olympics cover)

  3. Encore

    1. 23.U.S. Blues (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 24.Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (Sly & the Family Stone cover)
    1. 1.Day Tripper (The Beatles cover)
    2. 2.West L.A. Fadeaway (Grateful Dead cover)
    3. 3.Beat It on Down the Line (Jesse Fuller cover)
    4. 4.Loose Lucy (Grateful Dead cover)
    5. 5.My Brother Esau (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 6.Keep On Growing (Derek and the Dominos cover)
    7. 7.Candyman (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 8.Passenger (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 9.The Harder They Come (Jimmy Cliff cover)
    10. 10.Greatest Story Ever Told (Bob Weir cover)

  2. Set 2:

    1. 11.Man Smart, Woman Smarter (King Radio cover)
    2. 12.Mr. Charlie (Grateful Dead cover)
    3. 13.He's Gone (Grateful Dead cover)
    4. 14.New Speedway Boogie (Grateful Dead cover)
    5. 15.Drums > (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 16.Space > (Grateful Dead cover)
    7. 17.Unbroken Chain (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 18.Going Down the Road Feeling Bad ([traditional] cover)
    9. 19.I'll Take a Melody (Frankie Miller cover)
    10. 20.The Golden Road (to Unlimited Devotion) (Grateful Dead cover)

  3. Encore

    1. 21.Volunteers (Jefferson Airplane cover)
    1. 1.China Cat Sunflower (Grateful Dead cover)
    2. 2.I Know You Rider ([traditional] cover)
    3. 3.Greatest Story Ever Told (Bob Weir cover)
    4. 4.Piece of My Heart (Erma Franklin cover)
    5. 5.Box of Rain (Grateful Dead cover)
    6. 6.Bird Song (Jerry Garcia cover)
    7. 7.Feel Like a Stranger (Grateful Dead cover)
    8. 8.Help on the Way (Grateful Dead cover)
    9. 9.Slipknot! (Grateful Dead cover)
    10. 10.Franklin's Tower (Grateful Dead cover)
    11. 11.Estimated Prophet (Grateful Dead cover)
    12. 12.Eyes of the World (Grateful Dead cover)
    13. 13.Going Down the Road Feeling Bad ([traditional] cover)

  2. Encore

    1. 14.Woodstock (Joni Mitchell cover)

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Reviews

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 1377 reviews
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  • Great show

    by DJ on 7/16/24Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley - BerkeleyRating: 5 out of 5

    Sound was good, vibe was good and the Greek is a great place for a show

  • An incredible experience

    by Puncheroo on 7/16/24Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley - BerkeleyRating: 5 out of 5

    I never had a chance to see the Grateful Dead play back when Jerry was alive. I've seen DSO twice and both times were absolutely incredible. . They did an awesome recreation of the Dead's performance at the Greek Theatre from 40 years ago. I look forward to seeing them at the Alexandria Palace in London this fall!!

  • Excellent show! The music never stopped!

    by Jonner on 7/16/24Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley - BerkeleyRating: 5 out of 5

    The bands were just fantastic! I really loved the way that the Greek theater has been remodeled although I do think the way the seats are numbered is a little too close packed! If everyone shows up there won’t be room for everyone to sit!

  • Grateful Dead

    by Matt on 7/15/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    Terrific recreation of GD show from 1977. Talented musicians who have really put in the time to pick up the unique vibe that was the Grateful Dead. Highly recommended for a great experience.

  • An absolutely amazing show!

    by Dawn on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    What a wonderful show DSO put on @Humphreys! It was my first time seeing DSO it will be remembered as one of my favorites! Dedicated it to the great Bill Walton.

  • DSO outstanding!

    by Pamela on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    Humphreys by the bay is such a wonderful venue. Especially when they do not set up chairs and so it's a huge open space for lots of dancing. Dark star orchestra plays there every year. This DSO played a concert that the Grateful Dead performed in Englelwood June 1977. Couldn't be happier with this performance.

  • At last it’s the real thing or close enough to pretend

    by Sky King on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    The venue, the crowd, and the music, Made for magical night. Very fun. Dark star Orchestra was excellent and I can’t say enough good things about the show

  • Smokin’ show!

    by SteveR on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    First time seeing Dark Star Orchestra, and they were fabulous! They re-created a show from 1977 (Forum in LA, 6/4/77) complete with some of the actual instruments used in that show! Great synergy among the band members and wonderful vibes all evening. Venue was fantastic as always (I’ve been to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay many times!). I’ll see this band again in a heartbeat!

  • A great venue with a great band on a beautiful evening.

    by Mike on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    DSO played a great 77 show with all the awesomeness they are known for. Venue is great and the crowd was the usual fun loving group. Nice to see DSO in SD.

  • phenomenal

    by Pesto on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    This band kicks ass in all aspects. Vocals, spot on, chemistry, unmatched, bass, overpowering, guitar tone, heart wrenching, keyboards, consistent yet able to step up when called upon. Was there 40 years ago, and it was like I never left. Bravo!!

  • Very nice!

    by JR on 7/14/24Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5

    The weather was perfect, the crowd was relaxed, the setlist was sweet, the sound was good, the venue was beautiful, the bathrooms clean, the bartender was friendly, and not a hint of cigarette smoke. Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile.

  • Amazeballs

    by greg on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 5 out of 5

    More enjoyable than being in GA at the Sphere for Dead & Company!!!

  • Band great - set boring

    by Godzilla on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 5 out of 5

    The band and venue were awesome but the set selection was not very interesting. Sure wish they would’ve picked a more upbeat bunch of songs so the rest of us could dance & have fun.

  • Awesome

    by Guy K on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 5 out of 5

    Great set list old school Greatful Dead Love DSO because they play concerts i never saw.

  • Dark Star put on a great show

    by Gin on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 5 out of 5

    Show was one long set!!! The band played at a high level and exhausted the audience with the danceable show. Top 5 Dark Star shows I've seen. It had been way too long since DSO played the Bowl. Come back soon please.

  • Mind blowing

    by Mickey on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic recreation of a 1969 Grateful Dead show. Doesn’t get any better than DSO.

  • DarkStar Review.

    by Runway 132 on 7/13/24Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas - Las VegasRating: 4 out of 5

    Band was good. For the most part I enjoyed the music. I felt they were somewhat overpriced. Also it was difficult to understand the vocals from Jeff Mattson, Great guitarist 🎸 terrible vocalist. Also was annoyed by the continuing pause between every song. As a Greatful Dead cover band I felt the music should of been continuous. The Dead became Masters of ending one song ~ and jumping right into anthor. Something Darkstar seems to obviously need work on. Still over all it was a good time and a really good show. I would go again if I agreed with the ticket prices. If I didn't that would be fine also... ~•~

  • The sound inside the Astro is terrible

    by Jughead on 7/5/24The Astro Theater - La VistaRating: 3 out of 5

    Loved seeing the Dark Star Orchestra. I wish they would have played more Robert Hunter songs. They played a lot of cover of a cover band songs. I know the Dead did all the covers that they played but I miss the early songs. My first trip on the bus was Des Moines 1974. So glad I got to see the wall of sound

  • Great show.

    by Jeremy on 7/3/24The Astro Theater - La VistaRating: 4 out of 5

    The venue was clean and in great shape. The band played a great show. Wish it had been a Grateful Dead show, but fun just the same.

  • Never Had Such A Good Time!

    by Billy DeLyons on 7/3/24The Astro Theater - La VistaRating: 5 out of 5

    Pride of Cucamonga->Truckin->Pride of Cucamonga. #IYKYK