Concert Review: Dark Star Orchestra (September 19)

by Mike Bullock

There were a lot of shows to choose from on Friday, but the House of Blues was the place to be when the lights dropped and Dark Star Orchestra took the stage. DSO brought the house back to Friday, October 1, 1976. A time when gas prices were just shy of 80 cents and Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter was celebrating his 52nd birthday. The band recreated that night when the Grateful Dead played Market Square Arena in Indianapolis. With sound mixing genius Dan Healy at the helm of the board, the family in attendance was in for a real treat. During the first set, fans were in full tilt boogie with their eyes closed doing the hippy shuffle. And for those who like to spin, they found their space.

During the intermission people were trying to figure out what show they were hearing. A few were texting friends to find that information. That didn't spoil anything, however, because the second set was nothing short of amazing. After the encore the music didn't stop there. Local greatness Kenny Withrow sat in as the band busted out with a few more tunes.

1st set

"Bertha," "Mama Tried," "Deal," "Cassidy," "Friend of the Devil," "Big River," "Brown Eyed Women," "It's All Over Now," "Scarlet Begonias," "Promised Land"

2nd set

"Might As Well," "Samson & Delilah," "Help," "Slipknot," "Franklin's Tower," "Dancing In The Streets," "Drums," "The Wheel," "Ship Of Fools," "Dancing In The Streets," "Going Down The Road Feeling Bad," "One More Saturday Night"

U.S. Blues (Encore)

"Not Fade Away," "Who Do you love," "That's What Love Will Make You Do*"

*With Kenny Withrow