Dark Star Orchestra pays tribute to Grateful Dead at the Phillips Center Feb. 21

February 21, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -– Continuing the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the genesis of the Grateful Dead, Dark Star Orchestra presents its critically acclaimed live performance at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21.

Giving homage in a continually evolving artistic outlet, the band recreates historic
Grateful Dead set lists with compelling accuracy. Each night, the Chicago-based band decides on performing one show from the 2,500 that members of the Grateful Dead performed during their 30-year tenure as fathers of improvisational rock. As a chamber orchestra interprets Bach or Mozart, Dark Star Orchestra presents the complete original set list, song by song, and in order, recreating historic music with uncanny faithful interpretation.

Dark Star Orchestra draws national attention for their true-to-life performances. Rolling Stone praises the band’s “fanatical attention to detail.” USA Today says they are “channeling the Dead,” while The Washington Post declares them “the hottest Grateful Dead tribute act going.”

The group has its craft so well-refined that even members of the Grateful Dead themselves, including rhythm guitarist/singer Bob Weir, drummer Bill Kreutzmann, vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux and keyboardists Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten, have appeared on stage and performed with these live music interpreters. The group has performed approximately 1,200 shows and has released three albums from live performances throughout 2002-2004.

Precision is king with this group, which positions the stage plot based on the year of Grateful Dead show to be performed. Dark Star Orchestra adapts their phrasing, voice arrangements and even arranges specific musical equipment for the various eras in which they perform. At the end of every performance, the band announces the date and venue where the original show just covered took place. Dark Star Orchestra dips into every incarnation of the Dead, so most fans can “see” shows that happened long before they were born.

Tickets are $25, front orchestra and mezzanine; $25, mid-orchestra; $20, rear orchestra; $15, balcony. Rush tickets for $10 may be available day of show for balcony seats.

Tickets to University of Florida Performing Arts events are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (2787) or by faxing orders to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available at the University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.comor by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group ticket sales are available.

Student tickets for $10 may be available. Students must purchase tickets in person with student ID at the Phillips Center Box Office or at University Box Office in the Reitz Student Union. Each student may purchase only one student ticket per performance, for himself or herself only. Student tickets are subject to availability.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and two hours prior to performance time.

Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.