It was easy to tell that Ventura was a bastion of Deadheads of all ages when the faithful descended on the Majestic Ventura Theater on February 20th for a concert by Dark Star Orchestra. The Grateful Dead cover band has a massive following in Ventura, as evidenced by the sold-out crowd that spilled out into the streets. Curbside vendors sold all manner of Dead paraphernalia, while faithful followers without tickets searched for the mythical “Miracle Ticket.”

Dark Star Orchestra announced their Summer Tour today. Following the band’s Dark Star Jubilee Festival happening over Memorial Day weekend at Legend Valley in Thornville, Ohio and their debut appearance at the Lockn Festival June 18, Summer Tour official starts June 26 just outside of St. Louis, MO at the Chesterfield Amphitheater before winding all over the east coast and Midwest, with performances scheduled at familiar venues as well as new stages for the band.

The story behind one of the most technically decorated and carefully crafted bass instruments in music history is one of true Grateful Dead lore.

Thanks to the generosity of the guitar's new owner Andy Logan, Dark Star Orchestra guitarist Jeff Mattson will be the first to perform with the instrument since Garcia set it down following that summer evening's show. Alligator returns to the stage Saturday, February 15 when Dark Star Orchestra performs at The Warfield in San Francisco.

Dark Star Orchestra announces the dates for their Spring Tour hitting numerous markets in the Southeast. Performing a handful of new venues, DSO will debut at The Caverns in Pelham, TN and scored an upgrade in Atlanta with their authentic Grateful Dead show entertaining thousands at The Tabernacle.

Today, the torch-bearing Grateful Dead tribute act Dark Star Orchestra announces the lineup for their ninth annual Dark Star Jubilee music festival.

Almost 17 years ago, back in 2003, I played my first show with Melvin Seals in Albuquerque, NM and had an absolute blast.

Come ring in the New Year with the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, N.J., which will host prominent Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra from Dec. 30 – 31. It will be a festive evening of ’Dead tunes plus New Year’s Eve goodies like hats, décor and a balloon drop. Dark Star Orchestra, which has performed to critical acclaim for more than 20 years and 2,600 shows, continues the Grateful Dead legacy – with shows built off the Dead’s extensive catalog.