“They are Jerry’s kindred spirits when it comes to making music.”

“The Garcia Project is a must-see for anyone who had the good fortune of seeing Jerry’s band live. I was lucky enough to share the JGB experience with Jerry, John Kahn, Maria Muldaur, Keith and Donna. Being on stage with Mik, Kat and the crew is the closest thing to the original.  They are Jerry’s kindred spirits when it comes to making music. Even if you never saw JGB live, you can see and hear their spirit at a Garcia Project performance.” – Buzz Buchanan, Drummer for The Jerry Garcia Band 1977-1978

What makes The Garcia Project special isn’t any one musician—it’s what happens when dedicated musicians come together in service of something larger than themselves.

Every member of the band approaches this music with humility, respect, and a shared understanding that the goal is not individual recognition, but collective devotion to the songs, the spirit, and the experience that made the classic Jerry Garcia Band so beloved. Egos are left at the door. The focus is always on becoming channels for the music and allowing it to flow naturally, honestly, and authentically.

That commitment is what gives The Garcia Project its unique chemistry. Together, they recreate full classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists from specific years, using period-correct arrangements, instrumentation, and tones—but the real magic goes beyond the notes. It’s the joy, the healing energy, the emotional connection, and the sense of community that audiences feel from the moment the music begins.

Each performance is more than a concert. It’s a journey back to a time when music brought people together in a deeply meaningful way. Through passion, dedication, and a genuine love for this music, The Garcia Project continues to honor and celebrate the enduring spirit of the classic Jerry Garcia Band.

—————————————————————————————————

Mik Bondy – Founder, Guitar & Vocals

Mik Bondy founded The Garcia Project in 2010 with a simple mission: to faithfully recreate the experience of classic Jerry Garcia Band concerts while honoring the spirit, emotion, and improvisational freedom that made the music so special.

A lifelong Jerry Garcia fan who attended Jerry Garcia Band performances during the final years of the band’s touring career, Mik brings both firsthand experience and decades of study to the stage. His approach is rooted in authenticity—not imitation—focusing on the feel, phrasing, dynamics, and emotional connection that defined the music.

Known for his meticulous attention to tone and detail, Mik has spent years recreating the sounds and textures associated with the classic Jerry Garcia Band, performing through carefully assembled equipment designed to capture the warmth, clarity, and expressive character of those legendary performances.

As a guitarist and vocalist with The Garcia Project, Mik approaches each performance as an opportunity to serve the music and help create the sense of connection, joy, and healing that has always been at the heart of the classic Jerry Garcia Band experience.

“Of all the Jerry offshoot bands I’ve heard, the way he plays is very much like Jerry, the tone of his guitar is just like Jerry.” — Maria Muldaur

Kat Walkerson – Founder, Vocals

As a founding member of The Garcia Project, Kat Walkerson has helped shape the band’s sound, spirit, and vision from the very beginning. Her soulful voice, heartfelt delivery, and infectious positive energy have become an essential part of the experience that audiences have come to love.

Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of female vocalists who helped define the classic Jerry Garcia Band sound, Kat brings warmth, joy, and authenticity to every performance. Her deep connection to the music is evident in every note she sings, and her genuine love for the songs shines through on stage. Whether delivering a powerful lead vocal or weaving harmonies into the fabric of the band, Kat helps create the uplifting and communal atmosphere that made this music so special.

Known for her radiant stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, Kat brings an unmistakable spirit to every show. Her enthusiasm, sincerity, and appreciation for the music are contagious, creating a welcoming environment where audiences can share in the joy, healing, and sense of community that have always been at the heart of these songs.

For Kat, this music is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of connection, positivity, and the timeless spirit that continues to bring people together generation after generation.

David Alderman –  Bass Guitar, Vocals

David Alderman has been an integral part of The Garcia Project family for many years. Long before becoming an official member of the band, David was a familiar and trusted presence behind the scenes, helping with productions, supporting the crew, and frequently sitting in on stage whenever the opportunity arose.

In 2018, David officially joined The Garcia Project as a vocalist, bringing a deep understanding of the music and spirit of the classic Jerry Garcia Band. Shortly thereafter, he stepped into the role of bassist, where he quickly became an essential part of the group’s sound.

A lifelong devotee of Jerry Garcia’s music, David possesses a rare ability to channel the melodic, supportive bass style of John Kahn while simultaneously recreating the vocal contributions of both Keith Godchaux and Jackie LaBranch. Whether delivering Keith’s soulful tenor harmonies or Jackie’s gospel-infused backing vocals, David brings a remarkable level of authenticity to the music, helping to recreate the rich vocal tapestry that became such an important part of the classic Jerry Garcia Band sound.

His bass playing provides the foundation upon which the music breathes, while his vocals add warmth, depth, and emotional resonance to every performance. Whether locking into a groove, supporting a ballad, or helping recreate the communal spirit that made Jerry Garcia Band performances so special, David brings dedication, musicianship, and genuine love for the music to every show.

His years of commitment to The Garcia Project and his passion for preserving this musical legacy have made him an indispensable part of the band’s continuing journey.

Elliot Jackson Scott Rauch –  Keyboards

Elliot Jackson Scott Rauch brings extraordinary versatility, musicianship, and enthusiasm to The Garcia Project’s keyboard chair. Equally at home behind a grand piano, Hammond organ, or electric keyboard, Elliot possesses a rare ability to authentically capture the many keyboard voices that helped define the classic Jerry Garcia Band sound throughout its history.

Whether delivering the delicate touch and lyrical piano work associated with Keith Godchaux or unleashing the powerful Hammond organ textures that became a hallmark of Melvin Seals’ contributions, Elliot approaches every era with remarkable attention to detail and deep musical understanding. His ability to channel Melvin’s soulful energy, rhythmic drive, and expressive improvisation has become one of the defining elements of The Garcia Project’s sound.

Beyond his technical skill, Elliot’s genuine enthusiasm for Jerry Garcia’s music shines through every performance. His joyful stage presence, boundless energy, and obvious love for the music are infectious, helping create the celebratory atmosphere that has always been at the heart of the Jerry Garcia Band experience.

A dedicated student of the music and a passionate performer, Elliot brings both authenticity and excitement to every show, helping transport audiences back to the many eras of the classic Jerry Garcia Band while keeping the spirit of the music alive and thriving today.

Scott Toop – Drums

Scott Toop brings decades of experience, passion, and authenticity to the drum chair in The Garcia Project. A respected contributor to the East Coast jam band scene, Scott’s connection to this music runs deep, dating back to his first Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead experiences in 1983. Those formative concerts sparked a lifelong appreciation for the music, community, and spirit that continue to inspire him today.

As a drummer, Scott understands that the role is far more than keeping time. His playing provides the heartbeat of the band—steady, soulful, and deeply connected to the emotional flow of the music. Whether navigating a delicate ballad, a swinging shuffle, or an extended improvisational journey, Scott brings conviction, feel, and musical sensitivity to every performance.

Drawing inspiration from the many drummers who helped shape the Jerry Garcia Band sound over the years, Scott focuses on serving the song and supporting the ensemble. His ability to lock in with the rhythm section while remaining responsive to the dynamics unfolding on stage helps create the relaxed, breathing groove that is essential to this music.

A lifelong fan, dedicated musician, and passionate member of the community, Scott approaches every performance with gratitude and respect for the music that has been such an important part of his life. His commitment, experience, and love for the classic Jerry Garcia Band tradition make him an invaluable part of The Garcia Project.

Guests of The Garcia Project have included:

Melvin Seals, Jerry Garcia Band
Jacklyn LaBranch, Jerry Garcia Band
Maria Muldaur, Jerry Garcia Band
Buzz Buchanan, Jerry Garcia Band
Peter Rowan, Old And In The Way
Tom Constanten, The Grateful Dead
Jacob Jolliff, Yonder Mountain String Band
Andy Falco, Infamous String Dusters
Lisa Mackey, Dark Star Orchestra
Tom Circosta, The Zen Tricksters
Klyph Black, The Zen Tricksters
Ryan Montbleau, The Ryan Montbleau Band

GET EXCLUSIVE CONCERT LIVE STREAMS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, EARLY BIRD TIX AND MORE BY SUPPORTING THE GARCIA PROJECT ON PATREON – Click this link and sign up to help our mission and get great perks:
https://www.patreon.com/thegarciaproject

Song List (songs performed by The Jerry Garcia Band and The Garcia Project):

The Garcia Project’s performances are recreations of full, classic Jerry Garcia Band set lists from 1976-1995. More than just a Jerry Garcia Band Tribute Band or Jerry Garcia Cover Band, using thoughtful arrangements and the proper instrumentation and feel, The Garcia Project faithfully channels and projects the feelings, emotions and music that propelled the Jerry Garcia Band and their fans through the years.

For anyone that never had a chance to experience the Jerry Garcia Band or for fans that want to relive a classic show, The Garcia Project delivers.

The Garcia Project has received rave reviews from the press and from fans. Touring across the country, The Garcia Project has made many fans extremely happy.

The Garcia Project is THE Jerry Garcia Band Tribute Band or Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band – and it’s about family, soul searching, rejoicing, contemplating, celebrating, seeking truth and loving one another.

I spent a lot of nights in a lot of places with the Jerry Garcia Band, and I’m here to say that I really enjoy what The Garcia Project does with those memories.  Mik’s guitar and his and Kat’s vocals stir up some very sweet vibes…some times they almost make me feel like I’m back in, say, 1992 at the Warfield.  Check ‘em out. — Dennis McNally, former publicist for the Jerry Garcia Band

“For those of us who crave late 70’s (and through the 80’s and 90’s) Jerry Garcia Band, The Garcia Project scratches that itch for hearing live renditions of JGB shows from that period.”
— Bob Minkin, legendary Grateful Dead and Jerry Band rock photographer

“The Garcia Project was on point with the whole experience and it didn’t seem like a cover band more like a mirrored band…they are just as real as the Jerry Garcia Band. “ – Buffalo FM Review

“For those of us who crave late 70’s (and through the 80’s and 90’s) Jerry Garcia Band, The Garcia Project scratches that itch for hearing live renditions of JGB shows from that period.”
— Bob Minkin, legendary Grateful Dead and Jerry Band rock photographer

“The Garcia Project’s attention to detail on intonation and performance structure does set them apart as an authority on Jerry Garcia.” – NYSMUSIC

“If you close your eyes, you’ll swear you are at a Jerry Garcia Band show.” – ecoLocal Magazine

“The Garcia Project’s attention to detail on intonation and performance structure does set them apart as an authority on Jerry Garcia.” – NYSMUSIC

“it was hard to tell that it wasn’t Jerry signing on “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”” – NYSMUSIC

“In order for a tribute band to be successful, fans need to look at them as the authority on the artist they are emulating. The Garcia Project pulls it off effortlessly. Go see them live …The Garcia Project is the whole package.” – Upstate Live

GET EXCLUSIVE CONCERT LIVE STREAMS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, EARLY BIRD TIX AND MORE BY SUPPORTING THE GARCIA PROJECT ON PATREON – Click this link and sign up to help our mission and get great perks:
https://www.patreon.com/thegarciaproject