Dark Star Orchestra April 18, 2008 Fox Theatre

This show at the Fox was "sold out" well in advance - that's code for "totally over sold!" People gill to gill on the floor and dancing in the lobby. On arrival it was clear we wouldn't get a spot close, so we hung near the bar's free water tap and waited for the second set.

By the third song it was apparent this would be an 'original' setlist. One of the things I love about this band is that they are heartfelt in their tribute and musically faithful to their source material. But I should also admit that I have a serious soft spot in my heart of hearts for Grateful Dead music. I would hope that my affinity to the music doesn't affect my opinions of this band - in fact, one could argue that my Deadhead affiliation gives me unique perspective to judge the tribute's authenticity. Indeed, I must strive to be as authentic a fan of this music as is possible, in order to deliver a true sense of whether the copy is as powerful as the original. So I will endeavor to review this final night of a 3 night sold out run at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO.


China Cat Sunflower

So how good was the show? Aw, man, it was sweet. First set had a killer Bird Song and a powerful Mission in the Rain. But the second set was the sickness featuring a crazy combination of songs only Dark Star Orchestra could pull off. We decided to make our move and got down to the main dancefloor and hung out dead center, slightly 'Garcia' side.


I Know You Rider


Truckin' > Spanish Jam

China Rider to start and then a spacey Truckin' featuring a Spanish jam...
into 'And the whistle is Screaming, TERRAPIN!'


Terrapin part 1


Terrapin part 2


Terrapin part 3

into freakin' Alligator - oh, man, it was so much fun. And the cherry on top was the Dark Star... they played a weird combo to end the set; Miracle Days Between.... huh?


Alligator !!!


Dark Star!!

Anyhow, I boogied and had an all around great time. Other than that, I don't have much to say. Except, I still miss Jerry Garcia. No offense to DSO. I'll still come out and see them, but I ain't traveling far, you know what I mean?