Dunedin Free Press Local Artist- Uncle John's Band

For more than a decade, Uncle John’s band have been bringing the music and experience of the Grateful Dead to a loyal group of fans across Tampa Bay, recreating the atmosphere and adventure of a live Dead show locally up to 10 times each month.

The band came together in 1990 in Clearwater. They have performed hundreds of shows since and have played every Thursday Night at Skippers Smokehouse for the past four years at the venue’s Grateful Dead night. Band members include Founder Mike Edwards on Bass and Vocals, Rich Whitely, Rhythm Guitar/Vocals, Alan Gilman, Lead Guitar/Vocals, Art Nelson on Keyboards, Dan DeGregory, Drums and Vocals, John Zias, Lead Guitar and Jamie Lavecchia, Percussion.

Songwriter/Musician Rich Whitely has been performing in Tampa Bay since 1993. He studied jazz guitar early before earning a degree in advertising and taking up songwriting as his livelihood.

Alan Gilman has been playing with Uncle John’s Band since 1993. He studied classical piano at the Julliard School of Music until his interest in other genres and the guitar took over. He has played in jam bands from New York through Virginia and even once played in a reggae band called Rasta Rafiki.

UJB keyboard player Art Nelson started taking piano lessons at age six. His second band, Atomic Cocktail, played 80s synth music. After moving to Florida in 1990 he played with bands October and Dead Icthyologists, joining Uncle John’s Band in January 1996.

Lead guitar player John Zias put in lots of time in the New York and Boston local music scenes, where he is known for his improvisational style. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, he has studied with Mick Goodrick and Pat Metheny.

Percussionist Jamie Levecchia went to see Uncle John’s Band at the State Theater in an effort to fill the void after Jerry Garcia’s passing. He was so impressed that he “weasled” his way into a chance to audition, claiming to have a Bill Kreuztman style that would complement original UJB drummer Jimmy Fagan’s Mickey Hart style. He bought a set of drums after being asked to join the band.

Uncle John’s Band recently played the Tenth Annual Magnolia Fest at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida October 19-22 as part of a line up that included Donna The Buffalo, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Col Bruce Hampton and David Gans.

UJB Is now playing a monthly gig at The Swigwam in St. Pete Beach. Fans can get a special room rate of $45.00 at the Econo Lodge adjacent to the venue and enjoy the beach atmosphere a little longer after seeing the band. The next Swigwam show is Dec. 9, 7-11 pm