MR. HAT PRESENTS ONE MORE SATURDAY NIGHT IN SUGARTOWN- A GRATEFUL DEAD DANCE PARTY!

Join us for an evening of Grate music and community at Toot's with Todd Bugbee's Dead Roses and David Gans new project, "It Was Dead When I Got Here"

Formed in the vibrant musical tapestry of the San Francisco Bay Area, Dead Roses is an electrifying Grateful Dead tribute band that faithfully captures the essence and improvisational spirit of the iconic American rock group. With a lineup comprising seasoned musicians Stephanie Hartwell-Mandella on vocals, Todd Bugbee and Nate Beltz on guitars, Tim Baker on bass, James Miller on keys, and Preston Barnes on drums, Dead Roses pays homage to the timeless sound and transformative live performances of the Grateful Dead.
Led by the collective passion and deep admiration for the Grateful Dead's music, Dead Roses takes audiences on a transcendent journey through the band's extensive catalog. Each member brings their unique musical prowess and infectious energy to the stage, creating an authentic and captivating live experience that leaves fans yearning for more. Stephanie Hartwell-Mandella is a tremendous force with a beautiful and soaring voice that leaves fans clamoring for more. Her recent appearances with Melvin Seals and JGB have solidified her as one of the Bay Area’s finest. Todd Bugbee and Nate Beltz, both renowned guitarists in their own right, seamlessly weave together intricate melodies and harmonies, skillfully capturing the interplay between Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir. Their nimble fingers and soulful expressions channel the distinctive guitar tones that characterized the Grateful Dead's sound. Tim Baker, a virtuoso on bass, anchors the band with his deep, groovy basslines, embracing the improvisational nature of Phil Lesh's playing. Baker's rhythmic foundation serves as the heartbeat of Dead Roses, keeping the energy alive and the crowd moving. James Miller's mastery of the keys adds a vibrant layer of texture and melody to Dead Roses' performances. Drawing inspiration from the late, great Ron "Pigpen" McKernan and Keith Godchaux, Miller's keyboard work adds an extra dimension to the band's sound, effortlessly capturing the essence of the Grateful Dead's rich sonic landscape.
Behind the drum kit, Preston Barnes commands the rhythm with finesse and precision. Embracing the spirit of Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, Barnes infuses each beat with infectious energy, driving the band forward and keeping the audience in a state of constant motion.
Together, Dead Roses invites both dedicated Deadheads and newcomers alike to revel in the timeless magic of the Grateful Dead's music. With their authentic sound, stellar musicianship, and an unwavering commitment to honoring the legacy of the Dead, Dead Roses ensures that the spirit of the Grateful Dead lives on, continuing to inspire and captivate generations to come.

David Gans is a songwriter, guitarist, Grateful Dead Historian, author, and radio show host. Joe Rut's Sunshine Shovelers were just voted the best band in the East Bay. Both Dave and Joe love Grateful Dead music among many other genres and styles. "Joe called me a while back and said he wanted to play some Dead music," Gans recalls. "And right around that time I got a call from the great keyboardist Joshua Raoul Brody: "Hey, I'd like to do some of that conversational improv with you some time." That was a propitious confluence of events! They recruited their mutual friend Dave Jess to play bass, and Joe suggested drummer/vocalist Andrew Griffin to round out the lineup. Calling the band IT WAS DEAD WHEN I GOT HERE was Joe's idea. We've played a dozen or so very well-received gigs so far, and we're looking forward to taking it further.