Sugaree

Our first video to highlight the band for commercial purposes...enjoy!

(recorded and edited by Cleo Kelly)

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About The Band

BEHIND THE SCENES

Dead Set Florida (DSF) began in 2017 when Christian Walker (St. Petersburg, FL), born and raised in Upstate New York, and newly transplanted to Tampa Bay, decided to continue performing Grateful Dead music live in Tampa Bay. After serving for the better part of a decade in Syracuse’s finest Grateful Dead Tribute, Dark Hollow, and after moving closer to family that transplanted to Florida 20 years ago, he followed his heart and searched for like minded individuals to share the passion of performing regularly throughout the Bay Area.

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Paul Wolff (Apollo Beach, FL) answered the call immediately and has been the band’s lead guitarist since Day 1. He strives to perfect his craft week after week and it shows every time he is on stage. Tucker Waud (St. Petersburg, FL) began with the band on Day 1 as well. He is a true champion on keyboards and continues to push the band to its limits. Two years in, the band asked a man named Michael Garrie (Palm Harbor, FL) to fill in on drums for a show. What ensued was magic and utter sonic satisfaction for everyone on that stage. The band immediately asked Michael "Thunderfoot" Garrie to join the band and he said YES. At this point, the band has its meter, metronome, and pulse it needs to thrive in the direction they know they can. Enter 2020, pandemic year. As soon as the pandemic hits in March, the band receives an email. A man named Michael Pandiscio (Massachusetts) has decided to relocate to Tampa Bay and plays rhythm guitar and sings. The band works him periodically throughout the summer to see what he's got and to their delight, Michael has IT. DSF is now complete. One year later, this five piece is finding roads they've been dreaming to ride and the best is yet to come.

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Dead Set Florida has secured and performed several standing Grateful Dead nights and continue to drive the train throughout Tampa Bay. As one endearing fan stated, “I can see it, I can tell you guys work so hard at making the music right.” This man is correct, the band works their tail off to bring you an excellent finished product and they will never stop working so hard. A local lead guitar player in another Florida based GD tribute stated, “I’m so impressed with you guys and how much you’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.” The band is extremely thankful for love and support from area Grateful Dead bands and reiterate that support by attending their shows and, when invited, sitting in during their sets. DSF is also immensely grateful for the fans who are the lightening to the band’s thunder for without them the music would not be so energized.

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The labor of love: Dead Set Florida, a Tampa Bay based band performing music of the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, and other favorites, inspired to carry on the legacy of the greatest musical presence of the 20th century. Come dance, spin, and jam away with us at a show near you.

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To contact DSF, email deadsetflorida@gmail.com or text/call (571) 232-0659.

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