Dark Star Orchestra

Dark Star Orchestra – Live in Montclair

For nearly three decades, Dark Star Orchestra has been carrying the torch of the Grateful Dead live concert experience, and they’re bringing two unforgettable nights of music to the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair on Thursday, November 20, and Friday, November 21, 2025. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with shows starting at 8:00 PM each night.

More than just a tribute act, Dark Star Orchestra captures the true spirit and energy of the Grateful Dead’s legendary concerts. Each performance is built around actual setlists from the Dead’s 30-year touring history or crafted as a unique blend from their extensive catalog. This approach gives longtime Deadheads and new fans alike the chance to experience the magic, improvisation, and communal vibe that made the Dead’s shows iconic.

The seven-piece band has shared the stage with original Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, and Tom Constanten, as well as other legendary guests including members of Phish, Gov’t Mule, and more. With every note, they bring the audience closer to that timeless sound while keeping the music alive for generations to come.

Keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco puts it best: “We offer a sort of historical perspective—what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978, or whenever. Even for Deadheads who went to hundreds of shows, we give them something they may have never seen live before.”

Event Details:

• Dates: Thursday, November 20 & Friday, November 21, 2025
• Venue: Wellmont Theatre, Montclair, NJ
• Doors: 7:00 PM
• Showtime: 8:00 PM

Two nights. Endless jams. A celebration of music, community, and the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience when Dark Star Orchestra lights up the Wellmont Theatre.

Music Plays The Band Radio Show (https://deadsetlive.com/event-type/music-plays-the-band-radio-show/) on Dead Set Live features Dark Star Orchestra – The Music Plays The Band Radio Show plays live music by Grateful Dead Cover Bands. Grateful Dead, the iconic American rock band, has left an indelible mark on music history. Known for their improvisational style, eclectic sound, and devoted fan base, the Grateful Dead’s influence continues to resonate long after their disbandment. While the original band members may no longer grace the stage together, the spirit of the Grateful Dead lives on through the countless cover bands that pay homage to their music. In this show, we explore the world of Grateful Dead cover bands and the important role they play in keeping the legacy alive.

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🎟️ Tickets, Merchandise & Info:

Accessible seating available for all guests.

Click here to go to the Merch Stand in The Vending Lot.