California Kind

California Kind is a jam-band supergroup, that combines the new artistry of singer/songwriter/guitarist Katie Skene with jam notables, John Molo (Bruce Hornsby & The Range, Phil Lesh & Friends, John Fogerty), Barry Sless (David Nelson Band, Moonalice, Cowboy Jazz), Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna Electric, David Nelson Band), and Rob Barraco (Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh & Friends). They have a large and ever-growing catalogue of original tunes and unique covers that blend and feature each musician’s diverse influences that include swamp blues, outlaw country, California psychedelia, and classic rock.

The improvisational jams the band explores are unparalleled, honed by the many years spent playing together, with Molo and Barraco working extensively together in the beloved Phil Lesh Quintet, and Sless, Sears and Molo collaborating in multiple bands together including David Nelson Band and Moonalice. With the addition of Katie Skene, bringing blues soaked electric guitar chops, stellar vocals, and organically original songwriting, the band brings a refreshing element into the Jam scene.

California Kind has been playing together for the past three years, performing at many festivals including Dark Star Pisgah Jubilee (August 2019), Warren Haynes’s Island Exodus (January 2018), Dark Star Jubilee (May 2018), and Oregon Country Fair (2017). They have also collaborated as a band with many icons of the jam band scene including both Phil Lesh and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead), Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule), Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) and David Nelson (New Riders of the Purple Sage).

They are in the midst of releasing an LP, with their single “Rising Sun” set for release December 6th, 2019.