First published in  Lonely Goat Print Magazine Special Edition - February 2000

Dark Star Orchestra Special Edition
- November 10, 1999 -
by Bob Robertson (February, 2000)

Introduction - 11.10.99 - 11.11.99 - 11.12.99 - 11.13.99 - 11.14.99 - Conclusion

The tour started on November 10, 1999 in Knoxville on a Wednesday night at the Bijou Theatre. Jumanji & I packed the van with all the essential items; cooler, clothes, blankets, head gear & sixty or so bootleg tapes. We finally pulled out around noon with high hopes and '74 Dead playing on the car stereo. There was a rumor out that the first part of the tour was with one drummer; a good chance for a a 72, 73 or 74 show. As we reached Knoxville, we realized we had no idea where the venue was but we remained cool. Jumanji figured that it must be downtown so we took that exit off Hwy 40. The first road we came to was Cumberland Street so of course we hang a right here. Well, the venue was just a couple of blocks on the left - pure luck or... Anyway, we spot a high rise hotel a few blocks down and decide to check it out. Only $65 a night and walking distance from the venue! Once in the room, we called Goatboy & Mama K who of course were running late. They arrived about forty-five minutes before the show, just in time to focus our minds and head over to the venue.

The Bijou Theatre is a beautiful place with a gothic look. It reminds me of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta only smaller. While I'm sure this is a wonderful venue to see a play or possibly some old-time bluegrass, it didn't allow much room for dancing. The entire bottom level had seating with only a small open area for twirling. Once I focused my eyes to the stage, three things jumped out at me: only one drum kit, John (Jerry) was set up on stage left, and there was an extra microphone for Lisa (Donna). This was a sure clue it would be an early 70's show. The anticipation and excitement in my heart went up about ten knotches.

By show time there was only a small crowd inside with a kind of strange energy floating around the room. DSO opened with a nice "Bertha > Jack Straw" that got the crowd going. John (Jerry) Slowed things down with an average "Loser". Then, Mike(Bobby) begins to sing he opening to "Jack Straw" again. The only problem with this was that the band was going into "Looks Like Rain!" After a moment to gather themselves, "LLR" was played together by the entire band. This little slip up seemed to throw the band and the crowd off just a little, but the group finished the set nicely with "Row Jimmy > Weather Report Suite > Let It Grow." Lisa (Donna) really made her presence felt during "LLR" and the set closers.

The second set opened with "Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Morning Dew > UJB > Playin'." What else needs to be said? One song flowed into the other without hardly being able to notice. This was definitely the highlight of the night even with the double encores of "One More Saturday Night" and "Casey Jones." At the end of every show, DSO tells the audience the original date and place the show was performed by the Dead. This nite was 11.10.73 at the Winterland Arena in San Francisco, California.