Rex Foundation

April 27, 2005

Dear Friends,

The Archives page displays photos and information about the the Black Tie-Dye Ball Rex benefit held in Chicago on March 6, 2004. That night the Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) treated the capacity audience to the May 8, 1977, Ithaca, NY Grateful Dead show.

Tragically, on Sunday, April 24, 2005, Scott Larned, 37 year-old co-founder and keyboardist of Dark Star Orchestra, passed away. The Rex Foundation is among a large group of family, friends and fans feeling a tremendous loss.

Wearing his DSO Business Manager hat at our first meeting in July 2001, Scott enthusiastically endorsed the Rex Foundation's renewal efforts and offered the full support of the band. Since then, our friendship with Scott and all members of the Dark Star Orchestra has flourished and deepened. It was Scott who coined the title Black Tie-Dye Ball, and we are planning some great Rex/DSO Black Tie-dye Balls for 2005 that will stand in honor of his memory.

The Rex Foundation extends deepest condolences to Scott's family and the Dark Star Orchestra community. We are honored that the Rex Foundation has been identified along with the American Heart Association to receive contributions in Scott's memory. We imagine Scott smiling broadly as we pay tribute to his life with our continuing grassroots giving.

We hope all that Scott contributed to his family and friends will be celebrated with continuing life, happiness and music. As Robert Hunter so eloquently wrote in "The Song Goes On",

Hearts are made for breaking
Tears made to be shed
Faith is made for shaking
Children to be fed
If there is no encore
Relax and let it be
The song goes on, that I know
The rest I must believe
The song goes on - the song goes on
All night long the song goes on

Very truly yours,
Sandy Sohcot
The Rex Foundation Board of Directors