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Hey all, This is Mik, of The Garcia Project. I've been lurking around the forums and thought I would drop in and say hello. Way back in 2002 (I think?) I was at The Gathering of the vibes and it was the first time I saw Melvin play with John K - as DSO was headlining....They did a Jerry Band set that brought me right back to the old days of Jerry Band tour. I was backstage and met Melvin that night but I also walked John from the stage to his trailer with his guitars. We chatted for a while and I told him that I thought he and Melvin sounded great and would love to hear more of it. He said he loved it too but was very busy with DSO...Then I quipped that I might have to start a "Jerry Band" to keep it going....He said Go for it! He was so kind and nice to talk to. And now he's back playing with Melvin! Love it! Since then, I met up with Kat Walkerson, who subbed in for Cheryl and sang with Shirley for a few shows with Melvin and JGB (Stu Allen was lead at that time). I had just started The Garcia Project (2010) and Kat joined the band for our second show and onward! We both loved how DSO did the GD sets lists and we started doing actual Jerry Band set lists with the same style, arrangement and feel of the original. We built the original gear and were gifted guitars from Andy Logan (Grateful Guitars Foundation) and since then we have played many shows with Melvin Seals, Jacklyn LaBranch, Maria Muldaur and Buzz Buchannon, covering sets from 1976 through 1995! Now in 2025, we have assembled the absolute best band and crew and are out touring again through the USA. We all absolutely love and miss Jerry and the experience that was a Jerry Garcia Band show. We strive to recreate that feeling at every show. We even have a couple of shows on our March tour with the one and only Jackie LaBranch! We love singing with her and her voice brings us right back..... I saw my first GD show back in 1987 at Silver Stadium in Rochester, NY - Right after the show my friend asked me what I thought...I said it was amazing, but what if Jerry sang every song??!! He said to me, Go see Jerry Band.....I sad WHAAAAAT??? There is a Jerry Band? And the following year I saw my first Jerry Band shows at Great Woods. Hooked ever since. Ive always missed that rich beautiful tone of his guitar playing and his soulful voice and presence, Anyway, we've done a lot over that last 15 years (including recording an album of Jerry Garcia spiritual songs called SPIRIT with Maria Muldaur, Jackie LaBranch, Peter Rowan, Jason Crosby and more....) --- and its our mission in life to continue on the musical legacy, keeping true to the original arrangements, feel and style that Jerry laid down from 1976-1995. I hope y'all will give us a shot if we play your neck of the woods and Im happy to answer any questions or tell any fun stories. We absolutely LOVE DSO and sometimes get to see them when our tours cross or we are on the same bill....Cotter has even run sound for a few times. Love the band, the community and the music! We would love to join y'all at the Jubilee or Jamaica some day.....Peace, love and music.... Mik

Hey guys, I have seen The Garcia Project, I have even been in touch with them to try and get better venues for the area I am in. These guys are the DSO of JGB. They sound absolutely phenomenal. Many of yall know I do not know the music in terms so many of you do. My only measure of music is how it makes my body dance and the energy that runs through it. These guys are the real deal and no joke. They may not look it, but did GD every look it? Ron Jeremy Playing Drums, Daisy Duke playing rythm, so classical musicist, throwing love bombs that are still bouncing off the ocean floor. MiK would be worth someone getting to know. I am posting this cause I saw the thread.....and know what I am talking about with these guys. I would go on tour with them. Actually my next post....I may go on tour....I may run away. Sorry Mik its been a rough months. I usually can give better words. Im fading.........one more post These guys are the real deal......support them and you will be happy you did!

Regarding Hyryder vs DSO on 5/17… Living here, in Newburgh, IN I am almost exactly half way between Covington and St Lou. Suffice to say I won’t be going upriver on the Ohio. Hyryder is my #2 though and based on last 3 years will see more of their shows than DSO in 2025.

Careful not to burn your foot.