Dark Star Orchestra’s personal mission is to “raise the Dead”. Their personal goal for every show is to replicate classic, rockin’ concerts of the Grateful Dead in new, yet still classic, ways. Are you in love with the ‘Dead? Did you miss seeing them in their prime? Did you see them years ago and want to relive a concert? No matter if you were there in tie-dye or not even born when they originally toured, if you’re a Deadhead, you’re going to love this Buskirk-Chumley performance.
On Wednesday, February 8 at 8:00 pm, you can see the closest thing to the Grateful Dead that still exists: Dark Star Orchestra. RollingStone.com raves that Dark Star Orchestra is “Quite possibly the most talented and accomplished tribute band out there…they’ve definitely mastered their inspiration’s vagabond nature.”
Dark Star Orchestra certainly isn’t new to the music scene. Since their founding, they have performed more than 1800 gigs worldwide, according to their website. They found their start in 1997. Early in their start, while playing at Martyr’s in Chicago, Phish band members joined them on stage at a performance. From there, their career took flight. They were so successful and their accuracy in performing the hits of the Grateful Dead was so astounding, that in 2009 one of their founding members (John Kadlecik) was asked to join original members of the Grateful Dead as they began their tour with their band Furthur.
Dark Star Orchestra’s website explains that to its members, it is not just a tribute band, it is a testimony to the longevity and influence of the Grateful Dead during its life and beyond. “For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years,” rhythm guitarist and singer Rob Eaton explains. “We offer a 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 got to see live.” More information can be found at the bands website: darkstarorchestra.net.
The Buskirk-Chumley has a history of showing the best of the best, while incorporating the community it serves. The Miss Black and Gold Pageant is held here by IU Students and they also show local theatrical presentations by the Bloomington Players and IU-based groups. On top of that, they also hold local events like the local “Chef’s Challenge”. This venue is all-age friendly and is located near restaurants and other shops on Kirkwood and the Square.
The Buskirk-Chumlet webisite explains that the Dark Star Orchestra designs the stage plot depending on the year of the Grateful Dead show they are highlighting. The Dark Star Orchestra also makes a special point to announce when and where the concert they are replicating took place originally when performed by the Grateful Dead. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind tribute performance are $27.50. Who are we to argue with the expertise of Rolling Stone? Get out and check out some great classic rock in a brand new way with Dark Star Orchestra on February 6 at 8:00 pm!