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.
Joe Claussell
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