Dead Sky - Grateful Dead Tribute sponsored by Keeper of the Green

-$5 COVER-

Sponsored by Keeper of the Green - Click here to check out their website!

This 6 piece Bozeman band is comprised of 3 vocalists, 2 guitarists, bass, drums and keys who have been playing Grateful Dead tunes together since their 1st show at The Filling Station November 1st, of 2019. The group is made up of musicians who have played together in a variety of local acts for many years; including Pinky and the Floyd, M.O.T.H., Kelly Nicholson Band, Tsunami Funk and the Hooligans. They have overcame many tribulations since they began, including the loss of their founding member Joe Knapp, and have organically grown into one of Bozeman’s most cherished tribute bands.

Luke Flansburg - Lead Vocals / Guitar

Luke Flansburg is blues/rock guitarist and singer/songwriter from Bozeman Montana. Born and raised near Iowa City, Iowa, Luke found love for music at an early age, claiming the Muppets’ “Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem” as his earliest influence. His first interests were on the piano and drums, he connected with guitar after his freshman high school science teacher used it as a demonstration for sound waves. He moved to Bozeman Montana after high school in 1997 and has been a staple on the local music scene since. He currently plays with Pinky and the Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute, Bozeman), Dead Sky (Grateful Dead tribute, Bozeman), MOTH (prog rock/jam, Bozeman), and Tsunami Funk (funk/rock covers, Bozeman). He also performs as a solo musician (rock/ covers).

Kelly Nicholson - Vocals

Originally from a small town in Georgia, Kelly spent a decade traveling the country before finding a home in Bozeman, Montana. She grew up strumming old time and bluegrass tunes on guitar alongside her fiddle-playing grandfather, but didn’t sing until a bluegrass jam she was hosting in Big Sky gave her the encouragement and confidence to try. In addition to Dead Sky, Kelly has performed with the Driftwood Grinners, Solidarity Service, and led her own 5-piece rock, soul, and blues band. When she isn’t playing music, Kelly is out exploring in the mountains and is currently studying to be a nature guide and outdoor educator.

Jesse Atkins - Vocals/ Guitar

Jess Atkins was raised in Bozeman, Montana, and from an early age found a strong affinity for studying music on the guitar and electric bass. Raised in a “radio family” with his stepfather being a local radio station disc jockey, Atkins was exposed to a wide variety of music throughout his childhood, which he explored in-depth. After studying locally with music greats such as bassist Rob Kohler, and sneaking in (underage) to play open mic nights at the Haufbrau with legends like Tex Tucker, Atkins went on to participate in formative local music projects such as working with the Platt Brothers, and bands Beyond Rangoon and Dr. Gravy. He has enjoyed an illustrious career as a solo artist with more than 2,000 shows under his belt, and an active circuit of dates in Florida from 2009 to 2019. He continues to work locally as a solo artist in and around Bozeman, and also performs as a critically important player with the ever-popular Grateful Dead tribute band Dead Sky, and reggae impresarios Cole and the Thornes.

Joe Kirchner - Keyboards

Born and raised in the Gallatin valley, Joe began playing piano at the age of 7 after begging his mother for lessons. For 16 years he was a classically trained pianist, but had a strong influence from his father’s most cherished band the Grateful Dead. Joe is a self-employed motorsport technician by day and spends evenings entertaining with his keytar in a number of local bands. When he doesn’t have his hands in a machine or on the keys he enjoys rowing the boat, traveling with his adventure cat Hal and riding his motorcycle. Joe’s favorite Grateful Dead song is ‘Blow Away’.

Rich Robiscoe - Bass

A working musician for many years, Rich Robiscoe has never lost his love for all forms of musical expression. Starting on drums in grade school, Robiscoe played his first gigs at thirteen, took up guitar and bass after high school, and completed a degree in music education while working in bands touring the Rocky Mountain ski hill circuit. As an adult, Rich worked for many years at a major guitar manufacturer, formed his own sound company, all while still playing several nights a week with groups as a member or as a first call sub. Reading, bicycling, cooking, and volunteering at non profit community radio station occupy the time spent not practicing or performing. Hopes to play MSG before going to the ‘Great Gig In The Sky’!

Joe Knapp  - Band Founder, Gone but never Forgotten

Joe Knapp was a local music legend in Bozeman, after moving here from Alaska in middle school. Known as Bozeman’s Best Local Solo Musician for years running, he made an impact on every person he played for and alongside. Knapp was also known for his years working at Music Villa where he developed a passion for teaching music. He worked with many young students and made a great impact on Bozeman’s future in music. While playing with The Kelly Nicholson Band in Bozeman in 2019 he called out ‘Sugaree’ as an encore song, and shortly after that spark created a fire that became Dead Sky. Joe unexpectedly passed away on May 8, 2021 but his legacy lives on through Dead Sky and many other projects he was working on who have continued to create music in his honor.

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