The Garcia Project

Keeping the music alive and having fun doing it.

The Garcia Project was started in 2010 by Mik Bondy and Tom Lee. Both Mik and Tom shared a love of Jerry Garcia's music and wanted to form a project that would perform Jerry's music in an authentic way. Starting with the incredible catalog of Jerry Garcia Band songs they soon moved onto a fun element that they now add to every show. "What if the JGB played this song", what would it sound like, how would the JGB interpret it, etc. It has turned into a fun, musical, game that has added quite a few songs that Jerry may have picked for the band had he remained on this earth a little longer.

Mik Bondy fills the "Jerry" role with modesty and an understanding that no one person can replace Jerry - but that we all together can rejoice in his music. Mik has constructed two tribute guitars and a recreation of Jerry's actual guitar amps, effects and speakers. Mik loves to jam and has played with his other band "Tapestry" for over twenty years. A long time jerry-head, Mik enjoyed the last few years of Jerry's life following the JGB around whenever he could.

Tom Lee has played in numerous groups from the 60's on through today. He used to have a crack equipment crew to haul his Hammond B3 and leslies back in the day but now enjoys the marvel that is the new Hammond XK3C and a new road leslie! Tom fills the keyboard role and really gets into it. Since adding some GD Jerry tunes to the mix he has added some piano sounds as well and really fills up the air with some heavy swells!

Kat Walkerson adds heartfelt and soulful female vocals to the mix. She brings an awesome energy to the project and you can feel her love for this music though her singing. She exudes positive vibes and her smiles are a testament to her appreciation of the music. Kat has had the pleasure of singing with Melvin Seals and JGB, Stella Blue's Band, Legion of Jerry, to name a few bands. A great lover of Jerry and his music, she also enjoyed as many JGB and Grateful Dead shows as she could get to while Jerry was with us.

The Garcia Project currently has two hard-working bass players and drummers. Robin Barkenhagen (Half Step, High Peaks) and Mike Klienhans fill the drummer slots and Mike Hoffman (high Peaks, Terrapin Island) and Zak Young fill in on the bass. All of these musicians are skilled professionals that share a love for the music that beats in sync to our hearts - The music of Jerry Garcia!