Dark Star Orchestra delivered a masterclass in Grateful Dead devotion at the Ventura Music Hall on February 2, 2026, turning a quiet Monday night into a full-blown celebration of the “long strange trip.” Almost exactly one year after their last appearance at Ventura Music Hall (February 3, 2025), this intimate, sold-out show was packed with fans who’d trekked in from afar, including the Bay Area and beyond, proving that the Dead’s spirit — done right — still draws pilgrims on any night of the week.
DSO kicked things off with a first set that balanced road-worn grooves and deep cuts. “Feel Like a Stranger” opened with that signature Mu-Tron auto-wah sound, Jeff Mattson’s guitar slicing through the room like Jerry in his prime, while Rob Eaton’s rhythm work kept the pocket tight. “Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)” brought Bob Dylan’s playful edge into Dead territory, followed by the rocking “It’s All Over Now” and the wistful “Lazy River Road.” Next, a soulful “Broken Arrow,” the bluesy strut of “C.C. Rider,” and the rare “We Can Run,” were remniscent of the Dead’s late-’80s experiments. The set closed with a spirited take on Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” sung with conviction by Lisa Mackey, before capping things off with a fiery “Let It Rock” à la JGB.
The second set kept the train rolling with “Corrina” and “Iko Iko,” then “Strange Man” (a Dorothy Love Coates gem) injected some gospel fire. “Crazy Fingers” shimmered with playfulness like a calm before the storm of “Victim or the Crime” and its dark tension. “Drums → Space” featured Rob Koritz and Dino English laying down polyrhythmic thunder, giving way to ethereal soundscapes of primal energy.
Then came some DSO magic: a luminous instrumental version of “Imagine” (John Lennon’s peace anthem reinterpreted and “Jerry-fied”) into “Uncle John’s Band” into an explosive “Alligator.” One fan at set break had mentioned that “Alligator” is his all-time favorite, but didn’t expect to hear it; when it arrived, his mind was blown, as he cried out “No way!” From there, they segued into a haunting “Visions of Johanna” (Bob Dylan’s poetic epic dressed up with the full psychedelic treatment), before circling back to close “Uncle John’s Band” in triumphant reprise.
As for the encore, “Touch of Grey,” sent everyone out into the Ventura night with that familiar refrain of hope: “We will get by / We will survive.” In a world that keeps spinning faster, DSO keeps the Dead’s alchemy of improvisation, community, and joy alive.
For nearly 30 years and over 3,300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra has proven they’re more than a tribute—they’re a living extension of the Grateful Dead legacy. This show in Ventura was another shining chapter.
Stay connected and catch a future DSO show:
www.darkstarorchestra.net
www.facebook.com/darkstarorchestra
www.instagram.com/darkstarorchestra
SETLIST
Set 1
Feel Like a Stranger
Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn)
It’s All Over Now
Lazy River Road
Broken Arrow
C.C. Rider
Stagger Lee
We Can Run
You Ain’t Woman Enough (orig. Loretta Lynn)
Let It Rock
Set 2
Corrina,
Iko Iko,
Strange Man (orig. Dorothy Love Coates),
Crazy Fingers,
Victim or the Crime,
Drums → Space,
Imagine (orig. John Lennon),
Uncle John’s Band → Alligator → Visions of Johanna (orig. Bob Dylan) → Uncle John’s Band
Encore
Touch of Grey
To submit an article an article or review, or to just say hello hit us at lmnandr@gmail.com
Also- check out the search feature in the upper right hand corner and search for your favorite artist, event, venue or genre. You’ll be surprised at what you find!
Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.
