Hitting on one of the most coveted era in Grateful Dead history, Dark Star Orchestra focused on the Dead’s 9/20/70 show at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA last Thursday, August 6th. True Deadheads will know that this was in the midst of a tour that featured one acoustic and one electric set, and true to form, DSO followed the same formula.

The rare acoustic set demonstrated just loyal DSO are to their muse, sticking to the Dead recreations and surprising their fans all the while. The show also included a “Big Boy Pete”, played for the first time in over 2,400+ DSO shows! 

Jerry Garcia was always a fan of acoustic bluegrass and folk music, and had many side projects devoted to the music. Check out some of those works here.

Tracks to remember included booming acoustic versions of “Big Railroad Blues” and “Truckin”, and the second, electric set caught fire with “China > Rider,” “Sittin’ on Top,” and “Me and My Uncle.” 

DSO will end their summer tour at the Peach Music Festival, and hit the road again this fall. These guys bring the heat every night, so don’t miss out!

Setlist: Dark Star Orchestra at Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA – 8/6/15 (GD 09/20/1970)

Set One: Uncle John’s Band ; Deep Elem Blues ; Friend Of The Devil ; Big Railroad Blues ; Dark Hollow ; Ripple ; To Lay Me Down ; Truckin’ ; Rosalie McFall ; Cumberland Blues ; New Speedway Boogie ; Brokedown Palace 

Set Two: Casey Jones ; China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider ; Candyman ; Sittin’ On Top Of The World ; *Big Boy Pete ; Me And My Uncle ; Easy Wind ; Sugar Magnolia ; Attics Of My Life ; Mama Tried ; Not Fade Away > Caution (Do Not Stop On Tracks) > Feedback > And We Bid You Good Night 

E: Greatest Story Ever Told

*first time played by DSO

Photos by Benjamin Adams PhotographyÂ