I 've seen both DSO and Terrapin Nation, and really, I can see so much better for a smaller ticket wioth better energy. It's pretty rare these days for the people there to understand, deep in the soul, what GD/ Jerry Band (of the time) were doing, and how it was radical. I go with so much hope and its a noisy, chattery bar show with a bunch of white hats talking about some Phish show they caught on mommy's money. Every time. Technically, the band is good, too much production for a flipping bar band, but they do it well. All lighting is programmed, and since as DSO there is a rigid setlist, the opportunities to fly are just not there. TN was about the same. Conclusion: see them if you already paid to go to the festival. There is fun potential, but little chance of blowing your mind...and THAT is what the Dead was about.
Just wondering what you mean by bar band? I saw them at hampton beach same venue ratdog sci umphrey's mule all play, a lot bigger than a bar. When I went there were a lot of older people, and if you closed your eyes on some songs they sounded like the dead (cept for the bassist). Definitely not mind-blowing, but fun nonetheless. They do have bunk shows though just like every other band. They also do "phantasy" setlists now where it's not an actual date.
I've seen them in Cervantes' Masterpiece in Denver the few times I've caught them. (hey I gave them multiple chances) it's a bar pretending to be a "ballroom." We call 'em Damn silly organization.