Dark Star Orchestra

Dark Star Orchestra toggles between indulgence and discipline more than most jam bands, and for good reason: The Chicago-based outfit replicates Grateful Dead concerts note for note, with a sense of historical gravitas that has brought the band a discerning fan base of its own. Once the music begins, you can be sure some unreconstructed Deadhead will instantly recognize the precise show being performed and then tell you about it in between gyrations. But even if the show proves unknowable—or if DSO performs a dreaded “original setlist”—there’s little worry that the sound will drift too far from the Grateful Dead sweet spot.

Updated 06/20/2012