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

Dark Star Orchestra Special Edition
- November 13, 1999
by Bob Robertson (February, 2000)

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

The next morning we packed up the van and headed home to Greensboro. The next show is at Ziggy's in Winston Salem, a short twenty minute drive from my house. Showtime was scheduled for 10PM and the place was packed by 9:30. A very excited, friendly crowd greeted the band as they took the stage. The set started out with a nice "Cold Rain & Snow" and "Beat it on Down the Line," but the rest was a bit lackluster. "Big River" finally galvanized the band and "Let It Grow" featured some blasting leads by John (Jerry) at the end. He, however, cuts these short to end the tune to the dismay of the crowd.

The second set opened slowly with a mellow "Wharf Rat" that slipped nicely into "Mississippi Half-Step." From this point the guys found their groove and exploded into an energetic "Playin'." Immediately as "Playin" fades, a huge gust of inspiration descended upon the stage, sighing as if it has been waiting all night to appear. The jam creeped along slowly at first but as the confidence level rose, they pick up the pace. The band started spinning faster and faster as the drain opened and a whirlpool ensued. But suddenly, as the noise receded, John (Jerry) and Mike (Bobby) stood alone, gracefully picking the beautiful introductory chords to the "Mind Left Body Jam;" the one I've always wanted to hear live and the boys didn't let me down.

The rest of the set was very solid with a sing-a-long "He's Gone" and a poignant, soulful "Stella Blue." The encore of "Morning Dew" was icing on the cake. After the encore we were told this would be Lisa's (Donna) last night with the band for this tour. The show was December 2, 1973, the final night of a three night run for the Dead in Boston. To end the night, DSO treated us to a beautiful "Here Comes Sunshine" that featured Lisa's vocals.