Using entire shows from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring as a launching pad, Dark Star Orchestra recreates the original song for song performance set list for an entirely new generation of, as well as old school, Deadheads. Dark Star Orchestra presents its critically acclaimed live show at esteemed venues from coast to coast and internationally.

Dark Star Orchestra performs Grateful Dead classics in the same way that an orchestra interprets music of classical composers. The composer spirit is derived and channeled as the players capture the excitement and innovation of the original performances and compositions. Touring nationwide for nine years to the tune of nearly 1500 shows since forming, the band's determined commitment to "raising the Dead" has drawn national media attention.

"Fanatical attention to detail." Rolling Stone

"Dark Star Orchestra takes its act to a level of detail that befits a rock band famous for its fanatical following." Associated Press

"The hottest Grateful Dead tribute act. A cover band for people who don't like cover bands." The Washington Post

Critics aren't the only ones singing Dark Star Orchestra's praises. Five original members of the Grateful Dead have played alongside DSO and have had this to say:

"A couple of times when I had my back to John (Kadlecik) onstage and he started to sing, I had this weird sense that it was Jerry." Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder/vocalist/guitarist

"Playing with Dark Star Orchestra is something that feels just exactly like it felt when I was playing with the Grateful Dead." Donna Jean Godchaux-McKay, Grateful Dead vocalist, frequent DSO guest

Precision is king with DSO; the band adapts their stage positioning, vocal arrangements, specific musical equipment and instruments to fit the era of the show they are performing. Following each performance the band announces the date and venue of the original performance. Dark Star Orchestra could dip into any incarnation of the dead at any of their shows, allowing fans to experience shows that happened long before they were born.

Since their Western debut in 1986, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; they are experts at treacherous wire-walking, trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. They push the envelope of human possibility with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats, showcasing tremendous skill and ability.

They are masters of agility and grace. Often accompanied by live musicians skillfully playing traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects that coalesce with the music and awe-inspiring feats to create an exuberant entertainment event featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival!

THE PEKING ACROBATS have been featured on numerous television shows and celebrity-studded TV Specials including NICKELODEON'S UNFABULOUS, ELLEN’S REALLY BIG SHOW (TV Special with host, Ellen DeGeneres), THE WAYNE BRADY SHOW, THAT'S INCREDIBLE, ABC'S WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS as well as NBC's RING IN THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL. They set the world record for the Human Chair Stack on Fox's GUINNESS BOOK PRIMETIME TV show where they astounded audiences with their bravery and dexterity as they balanced six people precariously atop six chairs 21 feet up in the air without safety lines!

THE PEKING ACROBATS are also making the scene on the silver screen as Company members were featured in Steven Soderbergh's hit film Ocean's 11 playing along with Hollywood's elite such as Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and George Clooney. PEKING ACROBATS’ alumnus Shaobo Qin also appeared in that film’s two sequels, Ocean’s 12 and Ocean's 13.

Iowa City Community Theatre presents "Wonderful Town" - a sunny and spirited family musical that tells the story of two young women going from small town to big city. Leonard Bernstein’s score is happily melodic in the ballads, and helpful in illustrating the pleasant story.

Ralphie's popularity exploded from the success of NBC’s hit show, “Last Comic Standing” making him one of the biggest comedians in the country. In 2008, Ralphie was named one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch.” Most recently, Ralphie just finished shooting a new movie titled “The Best and Brightest” starring Neil Patrick Harris and Amy Sedaris, scheduled for release later this year.