Performing to critical acclaim in over 2,600 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues to perform shows that are built off the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of seven fine musicians.
On any given night, the band will perform a show based on the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of touring, with a concert at the Space at Westbury on Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m.
From “Truckin'” to “Ripple,” fans young and old can share in the Grateful Dead concert experience. By recreating the Dead’s past setlists and developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon.
Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations. The band offers much more than the sound of the Grateful Dead — they truly encapsulate the energy of a Dead concert.
Dark Star Orchestra continues to grow its fanbase by playing at large venues for two and sometimes three night stands, as well as performing at major music festivals, including Bonnaroo, Milwaukee’s SummerFest, the Peach Music Festival, All Good Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Mountain Jam and more.
In addition to appearing at some of the nation’s top festivals, Dark Star Orchestra hosts its own annual music gathering currently in its sixth year called the Dark Star Jubilee, where the group headlines all three nights and are joined by a mix of established and up-and-coming national touring acts.
Dark Star Orchestra has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members, including Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, Tom Constanten and longtime Dead soundman, Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, Peter Rowan, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and many more.
“For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years,” says rhythm guitarist and vocalist Rob Eaton. “We offer sort of a historical perspective at what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978 or whenever. Even for Deadheads who can say they’ve been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never get to see live.”
“I can close my eyes and go back 30 years and have it be every bit as rewarding and satisfying,” said Healy. “Dark Star is an amazingly legitimate representation of the Dead.”
“Playing with Dark Star Orchestra is something that feels just exactly like it felt when I was playing with the Grateful Dead,” said Godchaux-MacKay, Grateful Dead vocalist from 1972 to 1979.
The press has also raved about Dark Star Orchestra’s shows. The New Yorker said, “Dark Star Orchestra recreates Grateful Dead shows with a flashback-inducing meticulousness.” “Fanatical attention to detail,” wrote Rolling Stone. And the Chicago Tribune said, “… Dark Star Orchestra often sounds more like the Dead than the Dead sometimes did.”
For tickets to the show, go to www.thespaceatwestbury.com. The Space at Westbury is located at 250 Post Ave. in Westbury.
