Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
February 3, 2007
Despite the somewhat erratic performance, Dead fans were once again grateful to witness history repeat itself as Dark Star Orchestra performed its rendition of GD’s December 16, 1992 performance in Oakland, CA. Despite the bitter cold night that forced many Columbus residents to shield themselves in the comfort of their own homes, bundled-up DSO fans anxiously awaited their chance to enter the Newport Music Hall. Though many donned their outerwear for the duration of the show, one could not help but admire the tenacity of the camisole-sporting girls who flailed their arms from the moment that DSO opened with “Feel Like a Stranger.”
Lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Rob Eaton proved a serviceable Bob Weir to an eclectic crowd whose ages seemed to range from 16 to 60. Though some were only toddlers when Jerry died, others could easily have witnessed the Kent State Massacre that almost 37 years ago transpired just a few hours drive away from the music hall.
Both the indoor temperature and the crowd had warmed up after the opener, as DSO transitioned into “Brown Eyed Women,” but the enthusiasm dwindled during the slower, less-thrilling rendition of “Same Thing.” The excitement resumed for “Loose Lucy,” during which audience participation made its first significant appearance. Those who had considered this show to be mediocre up until now were elated by the rare treat of Bob Dylan’s “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again,” but no sooner had the fans been revived, than they were drifting off during the always somber “Row Jimmy.”
Despite John “Jerry” Kadlecik’s commendable voice, many of those who weren’t engaged in side conversations at this point had already disappeared to refill their drinks or search for the facilities. Fortunately, the crowd became more enthused during the jam which eased perfectly back into the vocals and a spooky, ethereal-sounding “Let it Grow,” which concluded the first set.
In typical GD fashion, set one proved to be the mere appetizer that whet the crowd’s appetite for a much livelier and funkier second course. Even the most jaded Deadheads couldn’t resist dancing to “Shakedown Street.” The drum solo out of “Shakedown” segued faultlessly into a lively rendition of “Samson and Delilah.” “Ship of Fools” temporarily hindered the newfound enthusiasm, but the atmosphere was once again revived during “Playing in the Band,” which preceded the signature drum solo and space jam (combined with the signature glow stick waving of a few fans). Drummers Dino English and Rob Koritz entranced the crowd as they played synchronously on their respective kits, and then moved onto the gongs that up until this point had served only as a backdrop to the psychedelic stage. The enchanted crowd gazed longingly at the dimming and flickering lights which, combined with the gongs, conjured up images of an intermittent summer thunderstorm.
The audience could have remained mesmerized for hours had it not been for the dismal guitar solo found within the furthest reaches of “Space.” As one fan remarked, “There’s too much space here” – for those of us not under the influence of psychedelic chemicals anyway. Though, DSO eventually moved on to “Dark Star,” this version fell far short of the expectations that come with this song, especially in the city known for the legendary Halloween 1971 performance of that same song, immortalized on Dick’s Picks, Vol II. This 2007 incarnation however, was quickly aborted as the band moved into “All Along the Watchtower,” which yet again awakened a somnolent crowd. Unfortunately, the kinetic energy in the audience was converted back to potential during an incongruously placed “Stella Blue,” but the crowed was revitalized one final time for “Good Lovin’” and the “Casey Jones” encore.
On the whole, the fans were satisfied, despite the discontinuous nature of the performance. Many may have continued the evening at an Ohio State campus bar, where they recounted their most memorable GD show experiences to each other, while others may have returned home to gaze at their parents’ memorabilia from concerts long gone. As for me, my sleep that night resembled the unfortunately shortened “Dark Star”- not bad, but well short of its potential. On that particular frozen evening in Columbus, the music of Jerry was alive, even if the magic had faded away.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
