On Saturday, the Governor’s Island Concert Series kicks off with a fun triple bill featuring quintessential Grateful Dead tribute act the Dark Star Orchestra, one man orchestra Keller Williams along with rootsy singer/songwriter Pete Francis and the Barefoot Truth. This concert takes place on the incredibly scenic Governor’s Island, which is located about a half mile from Manhattan’s Battery Park. Ferries start running at 4:30PM so be sure to get there early to explore the former military facility.
Former Dispatch member Pete Francis opens the festivities at 6:30PM backed by jam-rockers Barefoot Truth. This pairing works with Francis’ soul-laden vocals blending really well with Barefoot Truth’s instrumental prowess. Hot off of a head-spinning turn at Rothbury, Keller Williams takes the stage second on Saturday night for what’s sure to be an entertaining set filled with K-Dub’s eclectic originals and crowd-pleasing covers. Keller’s got a new album on the way entitled ODD that hits stores in August so perhaps we’ll get to hear a few songs from the disc.
After more than 11 years on the road, the Dark Star Orchestra continues to bring Deadheads back to their happy place with each performance. DSO’s set kicks off around 9PM on Saturday night and considering all the Dead covers Keller likes to play it’s not a stretch to assume K-Dub will sit in with them. The two acts are playing a number of gigs together this summer including a stop at Vasa Park one week later on July 18. Tickets for the Governor’s Island show are available now for $40 and go up by $5 the day of the show.
