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

Dark Star Orchestra Special Edition
- November 12, 1999 -
by Bob Robertson (February, 2000)

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

Since we didn't have to travel, we spent the day cruising downtown Asheville. By showtime, there were lots of familiar faces filling Be Here Now and the place was packed.

DSO came on stage a little after showtime and jumped into a "Promised Land" and "Sugaree" that raised my eyebrows. After a "Mexicali" (never really liked that song), John (Jerry) took over for a great ride with a nice "Tennessee Jed." Mike (Bobby) poured out a "Looks Like Rain" and started the familiar lead into an incredible "China Cat Sunflower > I Know You Rider." John (Jerry) molded a wonderfully inventive rolling jam in the segue, spiraling up and down reminiscent of the classic '74 Dead transition. The "Rider" built to a powerful climax with the band showing a great sense of dynamics in the "wish I was a headlight" verse. The crowd responded ecstatically and the rest of the set finished nicely including a rare first set "Brokedown Palace" and "Casey Jones."

After that first set, I wasn't sure what to expect next. The second set highlights included a rocking "Don't Ease Me In" and an unexpected "Bobby McGee." The "Playing in the Band > Uncle John's Band > Playin'" was spacey and interesting, although not inspired. The set ending combination of "Not Fade Away > Going Down the Road Feelin' Bad > One More Saturday Nite" left everyone sweating. Once again the Dead had played no encore that nite. DSO chose "Scarlet Begonias" as their filler and something magical happened. In the middle of the classic Scarlet Jam, an older man named Bobby Sax walked up on the stage with his Saxophone. Mike (Bobby) reached over and adjusted his microphone and Bobby Sax went off for about two or three minutes. He then calmly walked off the stage. We came to find out later that no one in the band knew who he was. This was completely spontaneous. What a way to end the show.