I like this show and I am really surprised that so few seems to be familiar with "the organ player" who is Howard Wales. And thereby apparently also unfamiliar with the psychedelic classic "Hooteroll?"

The sound quality isn't the best, as noted in other reviews the keyboards are too high in the mix. This has the feel of the Garcia / Whales shows rather than an August 69 GD show.

I actually just noticed a flute waaaaay in the background on Dark Star. At about the 9-minute mark the Organ leaves a little more room than usual and you can make it out if you try hard enough. For a concert with flute and a much better mix check out the one right before Woodstock.

Unfortunately the organ, keyboard is too loud in the mix and as such is distracting. If the mix was better I think it might 'work.' Remember the state of stage monitors back then was abysmal which frequently added to the problem.

Jerry played with Howard wales frequently from late 69 into 1972 when he began to play more with Merl(saunders)

I laughed throughout the first several minutes of Dark Star (then couldn't stomach it any more). This organ player is clearly in his own world, oblivious to uh, well, what the Dead was all about (exploring and pioneering new soundscapes TOGETHER with an intimate reliance on each other for direction and new territory). This organ guy reminds me of the clueless cousin who is intent on showing us his "licks". The fact that it's a fairly long version, I believe, is a tribute to the patience and generosity of the band.. 3 stars for making me laugh.

The following link has plenty of good info & possibly 2 folks that were in attendance that afternoon/night

http://lostlivedead.blogspot.com/2010/04/hartbeats-family-dog-on-great-highway.html

Whoever this organist is, he/she doesn't fit well and is very prominent in the mix while everyone else is buried.

According to McNally's book and this quote from the Rock Archaeology 101 website:
"after a "strike" involving Light Show operators in August, 1969, the Family Dog was once again in dire financial straits"

One of the odder Dark Star versions I've heard. Can't say I like it all that much. Weird opening, a lot of organ throughout, seems edgy, almost angry. Just not that enjoyable (to these ears).

whos on keyboard ??? Its all solo work , no vocals.
11 is tops up there with yes , ELP
etc. unlike any i ever haerd.
like china cat solo on other 69 with no rider, 3min of solo work,jazzy improv.............5 min
i skipped 45 min DS please review 4 me. forgive.