Raising the Dead
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Dark Star Orchestra plays the Pantages Theater
by Tony Engelhart
Sep 20, 2007
Do you love the Grateful Dead? Do you enjoy supporting the arts? Then put down that burrito — we have a show for you.
Dark Star Orchestra will grace the Pantages Theatre on Thursday, Sept 27 with its unique interpretation of the Dead’s music on their DSO Rex Caravan Tour.
With each player taking on an identity, Rob Barracco (multiple keyboardists), Rob Eaton (Bob Weir), Dino English (Bill Kreutzmann), John Kadlecik (Jerry Garcia), Rob Koritz (Mickey Hart), Lisa Mackey (Donna Jean Godchaux), and Kevin Rosen (Phil Lesh), Dark Star Orchestra has been committed to raising the Dead by playing the legendary music.
“Everyone who is in DSO keeps the music of the Grateful Dead close to our hearts, and we take it seriously,” explains drummer Rob Koritz. “Our approach to this music is that we try to keep it as close to the original form as we can while still being able to express ourselves creatively.”
Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t a cover band. Rather they are interpreters of the music and improvise at every show.
“We’re obviously not into the specific note for note recreations — rather, we musically have something to say in terms of seeing where the music can go,” says Koritz. “Trying to convey the music is coming from our hearts and the improvisation is all us.”
Speaking of hearts, the band will donate $1 from each ticket sold to the Grateful Dead Rex Foundation and will also provide a venue for Rex’s Community where people can get involved with a donation of $5.
The Rex Foundation was formed in 1983 by friends and members of the Grateful Dead. The non-profit charitable organization’s purpose is to enable its members to provide widespread support for creative undertakings in arts, sciences and education. Since 1984 the foundation has granted 8.2 million to 1000 beneficiaries. The mission behind the Rex Foundation is to help secure a healthy environment, promote individuality in the arts, provide support to social services and people less fortunate, protect the rights of indigenous people and build a stronger community. DSO has been involved in raising money for this worthwhile cause since 2001. “The band stands behind the Rex and we are very proud to be of service for them and their worthy causes,” says drummer Dino English.
A great cause with an equally great band; how can you go wrong with this ticket?
[Pantages Theater, Thursday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m., all ages, $25-$35, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890]
