Dark Star Orchestra Returns to PPAC on Thursday, November 12, 2026
The acclaimed tribute act recreates set lists from Grateful Dead concerts, offering audiences a chance to experience the contagious energy of a Dead show
Tickets for Dark Star Orchestra’s concert go on sale this Friday, July 31 at 10A
Providence, RI – Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) returns to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:30P as part of the band’s just announced fall tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 31 at 10A at ppacri.org, the PPAC Box Office window (220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI 02903) and by phone at 401.421.ARTS (2787). Summer Box Office window and phone hours are in effect until Labor Day: Monday through Friday, 10A to 3P. Regular Box Office hours resume Tuesday, September 8.
For nearly 30 years and more than 3,300 performances, DSO has honored the Grateful Dead by recreating complete setlists from the Dead’s three decades of touring or organically creating brand-new setlists from the band’s extensive catalog. Their approach gives new and long-time fans the chance to experience the spontaneity and positive energy that defined the Grateful Dead in concert.
DSO’s keyboardist and vocalist, Rob Baraco, explains, "For us it's a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years. We offer a sort of a historical perspective at what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978 or whenever. Even for Deadheads who can say they've been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never got to see live."
Fans and critics haven't been the only people caught up in the spirit of a Dark Star show. The band have has had the honor of jamming live with six of the original Grateful Dead members: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick and Tom Constanten. They have even toured with the Dead’s longtime soundman, Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Keller Williams, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, Peter Rowan, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and many more.
Performance Details
Event: Dark Star Orchestra
Date/Time: Sunday, December 13, 2026 at 7P
Venue: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI
Tickets: On sale on Friday, July 28, 2026 at 10A online, in person at the PPAC Box Office and by phone at (401) 421-2787.