It’s been a long, strange and passionate trip for Grateful Dead Tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra aka DSO. Playing Dead songs for the better part of 17 years, the band has played more than 2,500 shows to date; that’s more than the Grateful Dead band performed during the span of their 30-year career.
DSO is comprised of lead guitarist and vocalist Jeff Mattson, who lends shades of Jerry Garcia; Dino English, on drums bringing the energy of Bill Kreutzmann; Rob Koritz on drums imparting himself to the Mickey Hart role; Skip Vangelas on bass bringing a little Phil Lesh to the stage; Rob Eaton on rhythm guitar and vocals playing in the style of Bob Weir; and rounding out the band is keyboardist Rob Barraco and vocalist Lisa Mackey.
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“We like to explore the musical space. The band loves to open jam.
It’s the way we express ourselves. Our individual personalities
come out through the music.” -Dino English
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English explains that DSO has a set list arrangement of Dead songs but doesn’t play note for note.
“There is much room for improvisation. The band likes to dive off the script,” says English.
Dark Star’s music is a trippy blend of psychedelic jam music.
“We like to explore the musical space. The band loves to open jam. It’s the way we express ourselves. Our individual personalities come out through the music,” English explains.
As a group, English says that continuing to grow musically and constantly working on playing better is critical to DSO’s continued success. He doesn’t take anything for granted. Their music draws people of all ages.
“Parents bring their kids to our shows. It gives them an opportunity to bond and experience what mom and dad used to do,” says English. The band also plays a number of kid-friendly festivals.
Always looking to perfect his skills, English still takes drumming lessons from Chad Wackerman of the Frank Zappa Band.
“He is a light years ahead kind of drummer,” English says of Wackerman. Other musical inspirations include jazz-fusion guitarist Alan Holdsworth, James Taylor and, of course, Bill Kreutzmann, the Grateful Dead’s drummer and those he was influenced by.
“I respect his drumming. My approach to playing Grateful Dead music is not necessarily to play like Billy,” he says.
English loves listening to music, particularly 60s and jazz, and says that he is inspired by great drumming. And, each of the band members has their own side projects. English is part of the Owsley County band, which plays Americana music.
“It’s been a big adventure and that’s what I want out of life,” says English. He offers the following from lessons he’s learned being on the road, “Follow your dreams, commit to your goal and work hard at it. Pursue what you do and work hard at whatever it is. I am happily following my bliss.”
The band shows no signs of stopping. “I love the Dead’s music and that love brings me pleasure. It’s led me to where I am now. I am privileged to play music,” says English.
Members of the original Grateful Dead band have played with the band and Robert Hunter, lyricist for the Grateful Dead, has written music for Dark Star Orchestra.
Playing at Harrah’s South Shore Room on April 10 expect nothing short of a show that is reminiscent of the 60s and 70s and pays homage to the Grateful Dead’s legacy. If you missed that era, then here’s a chance to rewind the calendar.
For more information or for tickets, visit harrahstahoe.com.
April 10 | 7:30 p.m.
$22.93-$27.52 | 21+
Harrah’s | Stateline, Nev.
