For all the fans that missed seeing the Grateful Dead but still love listening to their music and remain loyal fans to the band, the Dark Star Orchestra has come to the rescue. Covering for the Grateful Dead is second nature to the seasoned pros and their combined experience puts them near identical to the artists who inspire them.

The band has been covering the Grateful Dead for over 10 years and is nearing their 1,900th show. Dark Star Orchestra has performed all over the country and even traveled through Europe, and now they will be arriving at the Castle Theater in Bloomington.

Rob Koritz, one of the Dark Star Orchestra drummers and member for 11 years, has been able to work with five of the original Grateful Dead musicians. He explained that the sound of Dark Star Orchestra captures the spirit of what the Grateful Dead represented and is something all fans can look forward to.

“There’s a little bit of everything,” he said. “The best way to describe [the show] is that they are high energy. There’s rock, country, blues and psychedelic. There’s a lot of everything throughout the night.”

The band has enjoyed covering Grateful Dead songs, but is now looking forward to experimenting with their own sound and writing music of their own. Koritz hopes that their own work will be something to look forward to in the future, but for right now the music remains faithful to the Grateful Dead.

Dave Obenour, who helps with media for the band, enjoys working with them, because of their ability to remain in touch with the era while remaining unique and creative.

“By recreating Grateful Dead set lists, and also intermittently imagining their own, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving outlet within the Grateful Dead’s musical canon,” he said.

The band is also pleased to welcome newcomer Jeff Mattson, who is taking over vocals and guitar from Jerry Garcia. Mattson has been playing and creating music for over thirty years, giving an honest representation of Garcia’s work.

The show put on for the area will be nothing short of spectacular because of the bands dedication and close relatedness to the original band.

The tickets for the Saturday, Nov. 6 show are on sale now at the Castle Theatre or online. Tickets will also be available at the door, but seats cannot be guaranteed to late arrivals. Audience members from all ages are invited to come and enjoy the Dark Star Orchestra.

Even though the band has been playing for years, there are still some rituals that go on before every performance. They make sure that they are limber and ready for the stage. Koritz explained that his own habit in getting ready for the show.

“I personally have to stretch. As a drummer, it’s good to limber up,” he said.

They’ve been through the routine many times and these practices keep the band ready for action, Koritz explained.

“We don’t get to rehearse as much as we used to, but we get to practice the afternoon before every show,” he said.

During the shows the band is always having a fun, and the members of the audience seem to be enjoying themselves as well.

“You’re going to have a good time,” said Koritz. “If you’re looking to hear good music this is where you should be.”