Dark Star Orchestra

I am writing this review of Dark Star Orchestra because I am a 66 year old "newbie" who just "discovered" this amazing band after a great friend recommended them to me just a few weeks ago.
I have to admit that being involved in one of the BEST GRATEFUL DEAD COVER BANDS, was a highlight to my life!!
I mean, what an incredible night!!
The band played all the songs that I love from the early days of the "Dead" and did so with such style and enthusiasm that I was left in amazement! They were so incredibly great from the first note they played, all through the night!! I am particularly impressed by the lead guitarist and the impressive keyboard playing.
And the fantastic people I met last night. I talked to so many people from age 21 to 80 years old, and every one, was fun, charming, engaging and thoroughly entertaining. I wished I would have given my two new "friends" Nick and Nate my card to keep in contact, but that didn't happen.
It reminded me of the Dead concerts I attended in the 60's and 70's, with so much fun and laughter.
I am going to follow this band and plan on attending all their concerts within 500 miles of my home, no matter where they are. I am a BELIEVER!!!

It is a massive gamble to establish your band as a tribute band, because it can attract people who will criticize to no end. However, Dark Star Orchestra has managed to turn themselves into one of the best Grateful Dead tribute bands, having acquired enough fans to tour the world. Playing together for over seventeen years, they have even had original members of The Grateful Dead like bassist Phil Lesh and vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux join them on stage.
Their fans include a slew of people, mostly original Grateful Dead fans who have brought along a younger generation to appreciate the music that they have been so fond of. The band seems very mellow, and their show almost feels like a bunch of friends who decided to jam together and just so happen to be on a stage that you can watch them from. The vocal harmonies by John Kadlecik and Lisa Mackey are executed pretty damn close to the original. What’s great about viewing their live shows is that no matter what age you are, you can appreciate the fact that you are transported to another time, and as the music surrounds you, everything you currently stress about is melted away.

The band certainly was good, but too little played from the Dead's vast musical library for my taste. Highlights of the show, sadly too few, were the Weather Report Suite (executed beautifully) into Let it Grow and Unbroken Chain. Unbroken Chain is a complicated tune that the band flawlessly presented to the fans who at that point had been anxiously awaiting some more depth. while it was cool to get some B-sides, like the Keith Godchaux tune Let Me Sing Your Blues Away, the fans were left scratching their heads when the Brent song from Built To Last was played. Did anybody ever buy that album? I remember seeing it in the cut out bin for 99c. Pride of Cucamonga was a nice touch and the Ripple finale was clearly welcomed by the crowd, but having just seen the Dear Jerry Show where that was the finale, I personally would have liked to see something different.

The format gave the band a chance to be more self indulgent exploring new songs never played by the Dead, but guys, you are a Dead Cover band. That is what I as a fan want to hear.

I've had the privlege of seeing Dark Star Orchestra quite a few times. I try to always see them when they are in the area. They are the best Grateful Dead cover band in my opinion. They're unique in the fact that they recreate an actual Greatful Dead show that was done in their extensive career. I've never had a bad show, NIR have ever witnessesed anyone else having a bad time! I recommend everyone see them at least one time. Guaranteed, it won't be the last! And, their sound is spot on. You'll feel as,if you're at an actual Grateful Dead show. The tickets are very affordable, and believe me, you'll get a bang for your buck! Check them out for yourself,I'm positive you'll agree!

Show was great musicaly, the venue Maine State Pier needs to do away with the fence thru the middle og crowd, i guess one side is drinking free but you have to go to thedrinking side for water and you have to go to the sober side for bathroom, all this side switching occurs at one small break in the fence. i felt like a sardine at times. parking was wayyyy to much.

the music was excellent as usual. the band played for 3.5 hours and the crowd was rocking. dso always mixes up the set list and last night's arrangement did not disappoint. the only concern was the venue... the westcott needs to do some more cleaning and add additional restrooms!!

These guys always bring it. The energy was great, the show was spectacular (4-5-82 Spectrum), and a bonus White Rabbit for a second encore made my night. The venue was really nice, small, intimate, with great acoustics.

Awesome show as usual. Made it front center on the rail first set. Keep rocking, I'll keep showing up. Also I parked near your coach, nice digs. It looks comfortable. Let me know if you need a driver.