Stella Blue’s Band, founded in 2009, recreates the experience of being at a Grateful Dead show. The band has been lighting up the NY Metro tri-state area with its 7-piece line-up, including two drummers, strong, soulful vocals and high-energy performances. With dynamic jams and artful improvisation, Stella has developed a loyal following with shows thrill the GD faithful and newcomers alike.
With talent and Dead-ication, Stella confidently delivers tunes from all stages of the Grateful Dead’s 30-year run: from hits like Truckin’, Touch of Grey and Shakedown, to the groovin’ late 60s jams of St. Stephen, Lovelight and Hard to Handle, to the most complex tunes from deep in the repertoire like Unbroken Chain, Help on the Way/Slipknot and Here Comes Sunshine. Most of all, Stella captures the unique sound and adventurous spirit of the music and that special feeling and community unique to Grateful Dead shows. Our attention to the details of sound and love of the music are apparent from the first note of an SBB show to the last. That has helped us develop a strong following that follows us from gig to gig and forge a community of fans in the region.
Highlights of the band’s performances include playing the Capitol Theatre main stage, with Jerry Garcia’s organist Melvin Seals and a separate show with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Stella has headlined multiple festivals and continues to play in theaters, festivals and clubs. We were the first band chosen for a residency at Garcia’s at the Capitol Theatre and have become the house band in the house that Jerry would have built.
Stella Blue’s Band is Bill Bonacci (lead guitar, vocals), Steve Liesman (rhythm guitar, vocals), Greg Solomon (bass), Ken Aigen (keyboards), Marc Loponte (vocals) and Ron Cohen (drums)
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