Jeff Mattson & Friends:
Jeff Mattson, Rob Eaton, and Skip Vangelas, all celebrated members of Dark Star Orchestra, bring their musical chemistry as an intimate trio format to Garcia’s at The Cap. Delivering a blend of acoustic and electric interpretations rooted in the Grateful Dead’s spirit, Jeff, a guitarist known for his intricate, soulful leads, has a storied history with the jam scene, previously playing with The Volunteers then The Zen Tricksters before rising to national prominence with The Donna Jean Godchaux Band. He’s been on stage with Dark Star Orchestra, the internationally acclaimed band dedicated to celebrating and recreating the live experience of the Grateful Dead now for fifteen years.

Rob Eaton is a revered guitarist, vocalist, and producer best known for his role as rhythm guitarist in Dark Star Orchestra. With a career spanning over four decades, Eaton has earned a reputation for his deep musicality, technical precision, and uncanny ability to channel the sound and spirit of Bob Weir’s iconic playing.

Skip Vangelas, a long-time fixture in the East Coast Grateful Dead community starting with DSO bandmate Rob Eaton in the band Border Legion, lends warm, driving bass lines offering the perfect counterbalance to Jeff and Rob’s fluidity. Together, they dive deep into the essence of the songs, bringing listeners on an immersive journey that’s both reflective and dynamic. This trio performance offers a rare glimpse into the musical bond they’ve honed through years of playing together, exploring the vast universe of the Grateful Dead catalogue and beyond.