Is DSO at a another crossroad?

[Tea]

I am so happy to hear that DSO has sold out the 1^st 3 nites of the Fall tour – although not so much for the people that want to go but can’t get a ticket.

There has always been a fairly large contingent of people I know who wondered how I could be so ga-ga over a ‘cover band.’ This group consisted of 2 types of people. The first and admittedly smaller group were/are just haters. The other were simply skeptics IMO. Well, over the last year or so this contingent has shrunk noticeably. The skeptics have obviously heard others than myself heap praise on DSO and their unmistakable talent. Inevitably, these folks are now taking in a show here and there and I get a text or an email summed up this way, “Dude! I had no idea DSO was this good! I can’t believe I am just realizing this now! What show are you going to next?” The haters have quieted some too. While The Philzone is no gigantic arbiter of this issue, the DSO vibe over there is like night and day from what it used to be a couple of years ago. Of course, Vorty keeps ‘em in line over there

If the band continues on this trajectory, it seems to me that there will be an inflection point where the band and its management have to decide if bigger venues are in the best interest of the band. It seems clear to me that the band likes things just the way they are - so maybe this will never be an issue for them. At the same time, if every venue turns ‘930-Club Crowded’ and tickets are more and more scarce, I am not sure DSO fans will be too psyched for that either.

Not trying to put the cart before the horse here although it is easy to suggest as such. Would you rather see this band in an oversold club or small theatre come hell or high water before moving up in venue-size? Honestly, I will continue to try and see this band wherever they decide to play – I am curious as to what others think.

[acududeman]

Small theatre over an over-sold "9:30"-like club any and every day of the week, especially if it's an old school art deco venue (eg Fox Theatre, Maryland Theater, etc).

[TerrapinJen]

Tea I think you bring up a lot of good points. Im super happy for dso that they are selling out shows and I hope this trend continues. personally tho, if feasible and if the demand is determined to be there, I would love for dso to move up to a bigger venue size. I think they deserve it and they are gaining loyal fans left and right. I tend to get really claustrophobic at packed shows and it can get uncomfortable for me sometimes. I like to dance in space and lose myself in the music.. not focus on the fact that we are crammed in like sardines and dudes are touching my ass pretending to just be packed in too close. there are creeps out there for sure. so long story short id like bigger venues where they can start to build up to selling those out too. however, don't they sound so good when they throw down that huge sound in these small theaters and the walls start shaking and it feels like they're going to tear that old building down?? I think there are pros and cons for both sides of this discussion.

Maybe they could try playing bigger venues in cities where they consistently sell out now. Try it out.

anyway.. these are just my opinions and at the end of the day the decision rests with Tim and the band and the directions they want to pursue and what they think is best for the band. as a head over heels fan, I will of course support whatever they decide and follow them anywhere.

and with that.. I'm headed to buffalo now for one of these afore mention sold out shows

[Blindman]

IMO, the overwhelming majority of folks at philzone love DSO. Granted, it wasn't always like this. Wish they showed as much love to our brother JK...

My hope for DSO has always been to sell as many tix as possible, regardless of venue. This band/crew deserves as much inbound cash as possible. Definitely deserves it.

[Mango]

step it up....I want red rocks.

[sudds94]

This increase in fans happened around 2008 as well (at least around Albany area) when DSO started playing The Egg and then the Palace as opposed to Northern Lights and Revolution Hall (both places loved to see them dearly) Now after a few times at the Palace Theater, they are playing at the Egg (a downsize) So maybe next year will be back to the Palace. I will always love the small venues and bigger venues will be fine, but damn, I really don't want to go thru the crazy ticket frenzies of the Grateful Dead times or huge non-personnel venues. Also don't want them kicked out of venues because lack of respect from the fans (or non-fans) and ticket-less people just out for a party. Very psyched for Northampton, Syracuse, Albany and Lowell! Then freakin' fun NYE tour to enjoy!! Let's hope there's dancing room at everything!!

[maningreen]

Yes we are.

remember Filmore Denver selling out back in about 99 but i have always enjoyed the Cervantes shows more I think DSO could have headlined at Red Rocks with the right bands long ago. When they end up there it will be long overdue. Promoters don:t always get there bets right . I'm willing to bet a sold out show. Lay it on the line.

I have seen the crowds grow over the years and have seen many changes. I find it best to surround myself with one that come for the show. Always have. Confident that smaller venues will continue to appear on the sched. . Terrapin Crossroads for one and some little bar in the middle o Iowa comes to mind as well. Right?

Anyway, The Florida dates look very nice.

God Bless my Jersey Shore.

See ya on The Run~

.

[Evangeline]

step it up....I want red rocks.

^^^^^^^^^ Yes!

[Island Bro]

That Would Be Something at Red Rocks.

I love the old theaters. Maybe they could stay in the current size venues for now but focus on more double and even triple headers at the same venue...seems like it makes less work for the crew, and less driving for all of us! But then it might be difficult to get to so many towns/cities in a particular tour without being on the road for too long...

BTW, we need some outdoor dso out west next summer---any size will do!

I don't know but it will be interesting in these next couple years,,,,I really love the level of intimacy that there has been (I'm used to 800-1500 sized venues out west ),,,but 2500-3000 can be a sweet spot too, I think. There's something to be said for maintaining a certain level of intimacy while at the same time getting a bit more of a critical mass to keep feeding this organism...

I've never been East,,,what are the general venue size ranges out there that dso is currently playing??

[Tom Banjo]

800 to 1500 sounds about right for east coast shows as well. Dont get me wrong the range is probably closer yo 400 to 3200 but i feel the median still lies between 8 and 15.

[Rbarracoph]

step it up....I want red rocks.

Amen brother!!!

[gr8fulpair]

I tend to agree with TerrapinJen that they do what is warranted for the city and their history in that city. One of the challenges, I think is that there are few venues in that 3000-6000 range. They kinda jump from 1500 to 10000. I like theaters but I hate fixed seats.

I also agree with Mango and Barraco on the Amen! to Red Rocks. Announced early enough and promoted - 2 nite run in summer - it could sell out - shit, i'd be there...

[JenL1125]

Fixed seats are my biggest gripe. I'd much rather be in a bigger place with excellent wide open dancing space than in a smaller place with nothing but a bunch of immovable seats, and I say that as someone who really does love the intimacy of a smaller venue. That's why the AC Hilton hits it out of the ball park for me - best of both worlds. The dancing space makes or breaks a venue for me.

[Rude]

I'm not sure exactly how DSO books. I'm guessing they don't deal with local promoters anymore guaranteeing them so much per show. Larger venues or theatres likely cost more money than open clubs and the additional tickets required to make back that additional money likely wouldnt warrant the expansion except for cities like Chicago and the others they sell out. Plus theatres suck unless they have large open dance floors. GA ftw

[chuckvegas]

Crossroads, huh?

[Supplicated Velvet Thunder]

as long as they don't get so big Jeff gets stolen from us......... hehehehehe (remember last time?)

seriously though, bring on the Red Rocks, I will boycott the place til DSO plays it!

we neeeeeed larger venues at times but I hope it stays classy and I hope all the people that are so magical at the shows keep coming to more and more so that no matter how big it gets it will always still be our sweet secret

[bs69]

I do not like theaters with seats. The venues they play in my vicinity (Madison, Bogarts, Newport., Egyptian room, to name a few) are all GA without seats. You can crowd down front or seek space toward the side or rear in a smaller size venue, which is perfect to me. Theaters are built for shows where people sit, not DSO shows.

[Rude]

I do not like theaters with seats. The venues they play in my vicinity (Madison, Bogarts, Newport., Egyptian room, to name a few) are all GA without seats. You can crowd down front or seek space toward the side or rear in a smaller size venue, which is perfect to me. Theaters are built for shows where people sit, not DSO shows.

When I lived in Nashville, I saw Ratdog and String Cheese at the Ryman. Talk about a hard time dancing with the church pews. The pews were so close to each other you could hardly stand up straight with the back of the pew in front of you hitting your legs. Almost impossible to dance.

[Cosmic Mike]

It has been really great DSO has been selling out so many shows, especially larger venues such as Penn's Peak. I hope the management can find great venues of decent size with no seats, although I know that those are not the easiest to find.

On the drive back from Penn's Peak I was talking with my friend Brittani and DSO seems to be in a very interesting position. Phil Lesh and Bob Weir are getting pretty old. Who knows how many years Futhur will continue on. Will the torch be passed to DSO? What do you guys think? I would like to think that would happen. After all the Grateful Dead is a band with a legacy like no other, and I would like to think they have truly transcended through death/time. Jerry would be proud.

To DSO...You guys work so incredibly hard and I know everyone truly appreciates it. I am thrilled with how you guys continue to push and explore musically. Keep up the excellent work, but at the same time please don't overwork yourselves too much over the years to come. All good things in all good time.

[Rbarracoph]

It has been really great DSO has been selling out so many shows, especially larger venues such as Penn's Peak. I hope the management can find great venues of decent size with no seats, although I know that those are not the easiest to find.

On the drive back from Penn's Peak I was talking with my friend Brittani and DSO seems to be in a very interesting position. Phil Lesh and Bob Weir are getting pretty old. Who knows how many years Futhur will continue on. Will the torch be passed to DSO? What do you guys think? I would like to think that would happen. After all the Grateful Dead is a band with a legacy like no other, and I would like to think they have truly transcended through death/time. Jerry would be proud.

To DSO...You guys work so incredibly hard and I know everyone truly appreciates it. I am thrilled with how you guys continue to push and explore musically. Keep up the excellent work, but at the same time please don't overwork yourselves too much over the years to come. All good things in all good time.

Remember, we love to play!! We will as long as people come to the shows. I saw my first Dead show in a beautiful theater called The Academy of Music on 14th st in Manhattan. It was all seats and I wouldn't trade that show for anything!!! It was all about the music and the journey. What a journey it was and still is!!!

[JenL1125]

90% of my Dead shows and Garcia Band shows were in arenas and theaters that had seats, and, like you, I wouldn't trade a single one of them. Each one was an epic experience for me in one way or another! However, over the years, and, most recently with you guys, I have come to develop a SERIOUS appreciation for open dancing space. With you, I have danced at the Electric Factory, the AC Hilton, the Best Buy, Penn's Peak, the Birchmere, and the Wellmont, just to name a few. I found great dancing space and large, unobstructed floors/ balconies in each and every one. It's been really cool. It's so nice to be able to really get lost in a song and on my own personal path with that song without getting elbowed in the ribs or stepping on someone else's feet every 10 seconds. The Spectrum had terrific sound, and it was small enough that most locations inside were still great views. I remember many nights in the late '80'/early '90's, however, when we were pretty much packed in like sardines. It was still amazing, and I have ZERO complaints about it, but dancing is part of the journey for me. I know it's not always possible, and the music is paramount to EVERYTHING, obviously, but if I can get hooked up with some kick ass dancing space in addition? Well, that's just extra awesome;)

[Octal]

Can DSO entertain both? Larger venue one night, smaller one the next, without the ticket prices for the smaller venue going up too much?

[gr8fulpair]

Oct 85 at the Fox Theater in ATL is burned into my memory banks... Plush velvet theater seats and all. Seems like as I get older I'd be more inclined to look for a seat but DSO just makes me want to dance the night away. Guess old dogs can learn new tricks!

[Still Truckin]

Rob, the academy of music shows were special indeed, but the dancing (much of it on the seats) in the balcony shook the house so bad I thought it was going to cave in! While the music comes first, agreed, Jerry recognized that the Dead were first and foremost a dance band for the 'heads. I loved going to shows at AOM, Manhattan Center, and Stanley and Capitol Thr back then, but having also had the opportunity to dance free at the Hollywood Palladium in 71, there was nothing like it! At the Stony Brook Gym shows, many of us collectively piled up our folding chairs creating little dance spaces throughout the venue. DSO has played beautiful shows at Lowell Auditiorium but dancing in the aisles is mostly not tolerated and Starheads gotta move when the band is in the groove. Please keep open dance floor shows (like Hampton Casino Ballroom) in the mix. You and I both know how great it was to see the dead in pre-arena venues (felt forum before MSG) - DSO gives us back that special experience that was totally lost for deadheads by 1980. Anyway, thanks for keeping on; if DSO played the black hole of Calcutta, I'd still come out for the show! I'm in Laos now, missing the fall tour, but still hope to catch my first pigpen show in 2013!

[John A]

You and I both know how great it was to see the dead in pre-arena venues (felt forum before MSG) - DSO gives us back that special experience that was totally lost for deadheads by 1980.

Amen and well said.

And that coming from someone who didn't see the Dead pre-MSG era. Geez, that reads like a health hazard.