On a memorable Saturday night in Berkeley, Dark Star Orchestra brought the spirit of the Grateful Dead back to life at the Greek Theatre, recreating the historic Dead show from July 13, 1984—exactly 40 years later and at the same venue. The evening was a feast for the senses, blending nostalgia with vibrant performances.
Skip Vangelas took center stage with Phil Lesh's 'Black Tiger' bass, an exquisite piece crafted by luthiers at Modulus and Doug Irwin. The deep, resonant tones of the bass set a powerful foundation for the night's music. Rob Eaton added another layer of authenticity, performing with Bob Weir's 1984 Modulus Blacknife, an instrument that originally graced the stage during the same 1984 show. Thanks to the Grateful Guitar Foundation, these historic instruments played a crucial role in delivering a genuinely evocative experience.
The night wasn't just about music; it was a celebration of the Rex Foundation's 40th anniversary. Since its formation, the Foundation has reached a remarkable milestone, granting $10,000,000 over the years. The event doubled as a benefit concert, underscoring the spirit of community and philanthropy that the Grateful Dead and its followers cherish.
Thursday Night in San Diego - Humphrey's By The Bay
Earlier that week, on Thursday night, Dark Star Orchestra brought their magic to San Diego's Humphrey's By The Bay. This show was special for many reasons, particularly for its touching tribute to super fan and friend Bill Walton. The entire band wore custom shirts in his honor, making the performance not just a musical experience but a heartfelt homage.
Jeff Mattson played Jerry Garcia's Travis Bean guitar, which was flown in from the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame specifically for this performance. Meanwhile, Skip once again dazzled the crowd with Phil Lesh's Mission Control bass. This night marked the first time these two iconic instruments shared the stage since the legendary Englishtown, NJ show on September 3, 1977. The historical significance was not lost on the audience, making the performance a poignant and powerful tribute to the Grateful Dead's legacy.
Looking Ahead: DSO's Next Stops
The journey continues for Dark Star Orchestra as they head to Patchogue, New York, to perform at The Great South Bay Music Festival on Saturday, July 20. The excitement doesn't stop there. On Sunday, July 21, the band will take the stage at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ. This performance promises to be particularly special as DSO will recreate the historic Englishtown, NJ show from September 3, 1977, originally held less than 20 miles from the venue. This show was one of the largest ticketed events in Grateful Dead history, drawing nearly 150,000 attendees.
With each performance, Dark Star Orchestra continues to honor the legacy of the Grateful Dead, blending historical reverence with fresh, energetic performances that captivate audiences and keep the spirit of the Dead alive.
