
Dark Star Orchestra
Dark Star Orchestra returns to Clearwater for their BayCare Sound debut! Performing to critical acclaim for nearly 30 years and over 3300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. The seven-piece band performs shows based on actual Grateful Dead set lists from their 30 years of touring, or creates unique sets from the Dead’s extensive catalog. This approach allows fans both young and old to share in the experience while offering a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon.
Dark Star Orchestra offers much more than just the sound of the Grateful Dead—they truly encapsulate the energy and experience. It’s about that sense of familiarity and contagious energy that creates the complete concert experience fans expect.
The band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, and Tom Constanten, plus longtime Dead soundman Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, and many more.
“For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years,” explains keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco. “We offer a sort of 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.”
Dark Star Orchestra
Dark Star Orchestra returns to Clearwater for their BayCare Sound debut! Performing to critical acclaim for nearly 30 years and over 3300 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. The seven-piece band performs shows based on actual Grateful Dead set lists from their 30 years of touring, or creates unique sets from the Dead’s extensive catalog. This approach allows fans both young and old to share in the experience while offering a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon.
Dark Star Orchestra offers much more than just the sound of the Grateful Dead—they truly encapsulate the energy and experience. It’s about that sense of familiarity and contagious energy that creates the complete concert experience fans expect.
The band has featured guest performances from six original Grateful Dead members: Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Donna Jean Godchaux-MacKay, Vince Welnick, and Tom Constanten, plus longtime Dead soundman Dan Healy. Other notable guests have included Mike Gordon and Jon Fishman of Phish, Warren Haynes, Steve Kimock, and many more.
“For us it’s a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years,” explains keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco. “We offer a sort of 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.”
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DateDec 4, 2025
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VenueThe BayCare Sound
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Doors Open5:00 PM
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Event Starts6:00 PM
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AvailabilitySep 5 at 10:00 AM
- Seating Chart
- Directions & Parking
Ruth Eckerd Hall Members
When you become a member you receive special privileges across all of our venues while supporting our mission to change lives through the performing arts.
Members are buying now! When Can I Place My Order?
Circle of Stars: Tue, Sep 2 at 12 PM
Producers: Wed, Sep 3 at 12 PM
Troupers: Wed, Sep 3 at 4 PM
Players: Thu, Sep 4 at 12 PM
Performers: Thu, Sep 4 at 12 PM
Public On-Sale: Fri, Sep 5 at 10 AM
Not a member? Join Today!
Pre-Sale Access
If you have a valid promo code,* you will be prompted to enter the code on the ticketing page.
Pre-Sale Access
*For all non-venue pre-sales, please reference the original messaging for pre-sale dates and times.
Elevate your experience at The BayCare Sound with these additional amenities:
- Skip the lines! Includes one Priority Entry pass for express entry into the venue. Look for the Priority Lane Entry available at all gates.
- Exclusive access to the Floridacentral Credit Union View before and during the show, which includes:
- Welcome to a two-story private lounge with unique views of the stage
- Enjoy the stage-level air-conditioned indoor space and two-story outdoor deck
- Relax under the canopy of the rooftop lounge overlooking the stage
- Private restrooms located on first level
- Complimentary sweet and savory snacks*
- Exclusive $5 specialty drink featured for purchase*
- Quick service at your own private cash bars (accepting debit and credit cards only)
- Commemorative Keepsake Event Ticket
This package does not include an Event Ticket, which is required and must be purchased separately. The Elevated Sound Package is good for one (1) person, may not be shared, and is non-transferable. The original purchaser must be present and present ID or original credit card of purchase. Credentials will be issued inside the venue to the original purchaser on record, no credentials may be left at will call for pick-up. This package does not include admission to VIP event(s). the Floridacentral Credit Union View is open throughout the duration of the event unless otherwise specified. Artists and performers do not make appearances in the Floridacentral Credit Union View.
* Exclusive cocktails and complimentary snacks are only available inside the Floridacentral Credit Union View. Additional bars, concessions and food trucks are available throughout The BayCare Sound, but do not provide the exclusive cocktails or complimentary snacks.
FAQ
Membership: Ruth Eckerd Hall offers membership options starting at just $100 annually that provide special benefits including pre-sale ticketing access to all venues. Become a member today.
Parking: Public parking is available throughout the downtown district. Please view The City of Clearwater's Downtown Parking Map for the most up-to-date parking availability.
We strongly encourage carpooling, rideshare or taxi service, and public transportation. Ferry and trolley services are also available and serve downtown Clearwater. Hours vary. Please refer to their websites for schedules and more information.
Rain or Shine Events: All events are rain or shine. In the event of hazardous weather during an event, please follow the safety directions given by venue staff and displayed on digital screens. No umbrellas allowed. All weather-related updates are communicated through the venue social media channels.
Clear Bag Policy: Bags will be screened and are subject to search. The only permitted bags are clear bags not to exceed 12”x 6”x 12” OR small clutch bags (4.5" x 6.5" - roughly the size of an index card) that can fit in your pocket. Diaper Bags for accompanied families with small children and bags with required medical items are permitted. No other bags of any type will be allowed.
Prohibited Items: Please review the prohibited items list before you come to an event. Please note, chairs are not permitted, but blankets, no larger than 30” x 60” are permitted.
Cashless Venue: All points of sale will only accept payment via all major credit cards. A reverse ATM/Cash-to-card machine is located at The Library entrance and allows you to deposit cash and dispenses a charge card to be utilized on-site.
Mobile Friendly Ticket: Your phone is your ticket. Make sure you have downloaded your ticket before arriving at the venue.
Ticket Office: For ticket sales and assistance with ticket orders, please visit The BayCare Sound ticket office located at South Gate 1. The ticket office will be open two hours before the start of the event.
No Smoking: Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the venue.
Safety and Security Policies: All members of your party must have a ticket to enter the venue. All individuals entering the facility are subject to screening including the checking of bags and personal belongings for prohibited items. Re-entry is not permitted. For a complete list of prohibited items visit the A-Z Guide.
For more information about accessibility and a complete guide to visiting The BayCare Sound, visit the A-Z Guide.
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