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unusual facts about Dark Star Orchestra


Strangers Helping Strangers

In addition to working closely with Strangefolk, SHS has expanded over the years to work with hundreds other bands such as the Assembly of Dust, Dark Star Orchestra, moe., Max Creek, Zen Tricksters, Scarecrow Collection, U-Melt, Rev Tor Band, Roots of Creation and many more.


Donna Jean Godchaux

In 2009, Donna Jean formed a brand new band, the Donna Jean Godchaux Band, with Jeff Mattson (of Phil Lesh and Friends, Zen Tricksters, and Dark Star Orchestra), after re-entering the music scene with Mattson and Mookie Siegel (of David Nelson Band, Phil Lesh and Friends, and Ratdog) to form Kettle Joe's Psychedelic Swamp Revue, later known as Donna Jean & the Tricksters.

Jeff Mattson

A founding member of the jam band, the Zen Tricksters, and guitarist in the Donna Jean Godchaux Band with Jeff Mattson, which features the Grateful Dead’s Donna Jean Godchaux, Mattson was named the permanent lead guitarist for Dark Star Orchestra.

Rob Barraco

Rob Barraco is a keyboardist who has played with Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Robinson & New Earth Mud, the Zen Tricksters, Red Flannel Hash, and The Dragonflys.


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