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THURSDAY

OK, purists: It’s not the Grateful Dead. But guess what? You’re never, ever going to see the Dead live again. And, musically speaking, a re-creation of one of the band’s historic shows just may have more potential than a performance by a Jerry-less offshoot (or the Boys themselves, on off nights). Besides, the Dark Star Orchestra offers more than note-for-note mimicry—it’s a whole concert experience, minus the parking-lot cops and the bathroom lines. But beware: The beer lines are shorter, too—the State Theatre has several big, beautiful bars. Do not, whatever you do, allot the whole Drums/Space time for drinking (unless you want to try out the venue’s other special amenity: the motel across the street). Stow your skepticism tonight, Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 9 p.m. at the State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. $20. (703) 237-0300. (Caroline Schweiter)