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Southeast Regional Report
Edited by Gil McLemore - gmclemore@mindspring.com

Another review this month from Asheville as Dave Wilson recounts a 'Dark' performance - keep those reviews coming and give us the low-down on what's hoppin' in the summer heat!

Enjoy!

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Dark Star Orchestra
June 10, 1999 - Asheville, NC
Performing 6/10/87 - Cal Expo Amphitheare - Sacramento, CA

by Dave Wilson

Set I: Feel Like a Stranger, They Love Each Other, Beat it on Down the Line, Dire Wolf, Brother Esau, Bird Song, Minglewood Blues, Might as Well

Set II: China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider > Samson & Delilah, He's Gone> I Don't Need Love>Drums>Space>Truckin'> Throwing Stones > Not Fade Away Encore: Brokedown Palace

Extra: Loose Lucy

PHENOMINAL, OUTSTANDING!

That was what I was originally sending in for this review, but I knew it wouldn't get posted. That's pretty much all I can say about this band, but I figured I'd go into a little more detail. These guys, who have been together for a little over a year, are the best tribute band I have ever seen. They pulled off the show as if they were the Dead performing on stage. The band was made up of "Jerry", "Bobby", "Phil", "Brent", "Billy" and "Mickey". Each of the guys acted and sounded like there counterpart, with the exception of "Phil" who didn't get a chance to sing anything.

The only disappointment of the show was my anticipation for a Shakedown opener after hearing some teasing warmup guitar riffs. Each of the songs was well played, but not jammed out too long, as though they did some research on how long and crazy they should jam a song out. The songs were played almost as if they were in the studio, with not much extra jamming or improv, until the China> Rider, when they did let it all hang out! Probably lasting a good 12-15 minutes, it allowed each of the musicians to strut their stuff. Now being a big Brent fan, I was excited to get a show from a very good Brent era, but was a 'lil disappointed in the Brent selection.

Overall, this band is definitely one that I will return to see. I haven't said that about many 'cover' bands that I have seen, but these guys definitely earned my respect as well as that of many others who have had the pleasure of seeing them. Let me rephrase that, I haven't said that about many 'tribute' bands! You can really tell that these guys have listened to a few Dead tapes (and CD's)!

Until Next Time,
Dave