It is humbling to read the reviews below and just to realize that we were part of history.

Those summer shows could be dog hot weather wise
but nothing like seeing the band in the outdoors.
"Come grow the scorched ground green"

RxR Blues was rockin' in 85
If you listen to shows from 1971
they were in that spirit.
like Jerry pirouetting type of level.

Not sure if it is just the recording but
i like the all business aspect of one tune into the next.

"There a band beyond description"
Always loved seeing the band in a place with character or some History behind it.

These first set tunes are not long extended spacey jams. (which is fine anytime) but rather
short compact and intense in nature.
I loved going to show in 1985, super hard core bordering on mosh pit dancin' (refer Red Rocks 85)

>Don't Ease-You need a set break after this rocker!
(Brent the slasher)

Just going to listen and boogie for Set Two.
Somehow I managed to miss all the 'Cryptical' from 1985
oh well, Jeff Matson and the Volunteers hooked me up
with that joint.

Thanks for your kind review and for all the Starlight historical thoughts. I was able to see the GD at this venue twice and was always amazed at it's simplicity; no roof, wide well positioned seating, sound quality was usually great. While doing research for this show I came across these historical links I hope others find interesting.
http://news.visitkc.com/facts/starlight-theatre The basic history incl stage photo

https://rocktourdatabase.com/content/starlight-theatre nice full stage image

https://www.kcstarlight.com/about-starlight/starlights-history/concert-history/

https://kchistory.org/week-kansas-city-history/starry-starry-nights

https://www.kcstarlight.com/about-starlight/starlights-history/decade-by-decade-history-of-starlight/ (click the 1980's)
[no rating as this is "my" upload-via mvernon ;-) ]

This is a solid if somewhat distant audience tape of a show that really impressed me. Sound levels start off low but build and the crowd is more than cooperative in minimizing background noise. I listened to the show start to finish and the quality is acceptable if you are a snob and really sweet if you appreciate what went into providing it to you for free. Forget it is this show had been outdoors along the East Coast, because you'd still be listening to echoes of the crowd. Show is noteworthy one because of the setlist - the band dug deep into the early days for multiple memories, including Cryptical. This was the summer of the 20th anniversary celebration - get your tee shirts here! - starting at the Greek. Show is also noteworthy for the quality of the performances. As Parish points out all the time, Jerry in particular was psyched by cool venues, especially ones with theatrical histories and you can't get cooler than the KC Starlight which is a huge outdoor proscenium arch stage built for Vaudeville style shows back in the 1920s. I saw one show here - David Bowie, another guy who cared about venue, and I am convinced he relished performing on that historic stage and rose to the occasion. I saw Dead shows from the beginning to the end of the 1980s (and before/after) and 85-86 were tough times for Jerry and Brent. That's part of who they were and that's what came out in their music. Both sound good here, and this is a long show for the era. First set songs tend to be short versions, but the playing is expressive. Second set really stretches out with Cryptical being the best breakout for my ears. Decide for yourself about the show, but I saw four in June including Merriweather and two in November and this show sounds by far better to me. Jerry closing the night with Comes A time and then Baby Blue really lets you know he saw the handwriting on the wall. Miss all those guys who came and went. And thanks for the tapers.