Photos: Dark Star Orchestra overcomes tech issues to bring the jams to the Midland

November 18, 2023

Allison Scavo,

Dark Star Orchestra. // photo by Allison Scavo

Dark Star Orchestra
The Madrid Theatre
Wednesday, November 15

Sometimes we have the perfect plan and things out of our control happen, like sound issues delaying a set. While it was resolved, the band members who could be heard played their guitars softly to an off script tune. It was as if we were with them when they first met: just an intimate little pickin’.

Dark Star Orchestra exemplifies the entire concept of the Grateful Dead, which is to experience less-than-ideal situations, make the best of it, and come out on top.

Once the sound was ready to go, DSO barreled into the crowd with audible glee and stole the faces right off our skulls. I couldn’t have personally hand-picked a better setlist, which included one of my favorite songs of all time, Willy Dixon’s “Wang Dang Doodle.”

Dark Star’s genuine smiles epitomize their love for the Grateful Dead and how fun it is to be on stage under any circumstance. In the wake of adversity, Dark Star Orchestra displays flexibility and unlimited dedication to proudly share their talents and love.

All photos by Allison Scavo