Donna Jean Godchaux To Join Dark Star Orchestra At Red Rocks Debut

As reported, Dark Star Orchestra will make their debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 8, coinciding with 40th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s landmark performance at the majestic Colorado venue. DSO will re-create the legendary band’s July 8, 1978 show and they will be assisted by Grateful Dead vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux.

Godchaux was a member of the Dead when they made their Red Rocks debut in 1978. She has accompanied Dark Star Orchestra on several occasions over the years, as recently as last month.

“I refer to Red Rocks as the hallowed hall of rock ‘n’ roll; one of the most amazing venues in the country,” said Godchaux. “I loved playing there with the Grateful Dead and am looking forward to playing there with Dark Star Orchestra. It will be a blast!”

DSO also revealed former Grateful Dead recording engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson will be at Red Rocks to tape the special performance. Cantor-Jackson was responsible for recording the Grateful Dead’s 1978 Red Rocks shows as well.

“I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of playing guitar in Donna Jean’s band for many years, so I can attest better than most to the beauty and soulfulness of her singing and songwriting,” said Dark Star Orchestra guitarist Jeff Mattson. “To have her back on the same stage she sang on 40 years ago will be an honor and a treasured event.”

In other Dark Star Orchestra news, Mattson will get the opportunity to play Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia’s Doug Irwin-built guitar Wolf, which Garcia played at Red Rocks in ‘78, when DSO plays Boston’s Wilbur Theater on May 10.