The Dark Star Orchestra made its first appearance at Chicagos Martyrs’ on November 11, 1997, covering the Grateful Deads October 10, 1981 performance at Copenhagens Forum Theater. On November 11 and 12, the Dark Star Orchestra will celebrate eight years of performance with a weekend of music at Chicagos Kinetic Playground. The weekend will also serve as a reunion of musicians whove played with Dark Star Orchestra throughout the years and will feature several group side projects: Dimestore Stringband, Shimmy Shack, Bug Juice, Boombox (featuring Zion Godchaux) and acoustic and electric sets from DSO look-a-likes, Terrapin Nation. The music will continue until the venues 4 AM closing time.