Dark Star Orchestra, regarded as one of today’s top bands that celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead, rocked The Omni in Toledo last Sunday. But, if you missed the show don’t worry, because after a nationwide tour during the spring DSO is coming back to Ohio to headline Gratefulfest 10 at Nelson Ledges in Garretsville, Ohio. Dino English, who plays the part of former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, talks about feeling honored to continue the music of such an influential band and DSO’s first appearance at the Bonnaroo festival in a Q’amp;A with The BG News. BG News: What does it mean to you that DSO is regarded as one of the top bands to celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead? Dino English: Well, it’s a huge honor. We feel very blessed to be able to play our favorite music for all the Grateful Dead [fans]. It’s an honor when the old school people come out and support us, and it’s a privilege to be able to turn on younger kids to the music and keep the whole thing going for another generation and hopefully many more to come. BG News: What is it like to continue the music of an accomplished drummer like Bill (Kreutzmann)? D.E.: It’s a ‘hellip; talk about another honor. I love Bill’s playing. I respect Bill’s playing so much. It’s a pleasure to play his spot. He laid it down, for the most part, for everyone to play off of. He also had a lot of Jazz chops, and I respect all of his influences as well as his playing. BG News: Have you ever met Bill? D.E.: Yeah. Yeah. He has been really courteous, and he’s a real nice guy. He actually sat in with the band one time up in Oregon. BG News: What members of the Grateful Dead have performed with Dark Star Orchestra? D.E.: Well, the core four. Then we have had various keyboard players and Donna has played with us numerous times. BG News: What does their support mean to you and your fellow band members? D.E.: It’s ‘hellip; again a huge honor and it’s also a lot of fun. I mean it’s a blast having these guys come down and be a part of creating this music with them. You know these guys ‘hellip; they made it to begin with. And the best thing is to see them get a smile on their face and getting a sense of enjoyment from them. That’s the biggest honor for us. BG News: Did you guys enjoy playing your first Bonnaroo festival this past summer? D.E.: Yeah, that was a big blast. I think it went really well too and we were real happy with the amount of people who checked us out. I think there is a spot for Grateful Dead music at Bonnaroo for sure ‘hellip;’ always ‘hellip; whether it be us or somebody else. Hopefully we get to come back next year or the year after or something like that.