The Terrapin Family Band

Using the Grateful Dead songbook as a springboard for reinterpretation and as inspiration to create original material, the musicians in the Terrapin Family Band are inspired as much by one another as they were by the diverse group of influences that they brought to the table. As a result, the music conveys friendship, respect, warmth, spontaneous conversation and companionship for listeners and performers alike.

Originally formed from shows at Phil Lesh's Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, CA, in 2012, the Terrapin Family Band began as the venue's official house band. Terrapin Crossroads' constant shows, often featuring Phil, created an opportunity for the musicians of Terrapin Crossroads to perform together and with a diverse cast of visiting musicians. Through playing in this setting, the band grew into a richly nuanced and fun group, weaving the classics with obscure covers and fresh original music to create a unique musical tapestry. The band went through many editions throughout the years, but always lay on the foundation of Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Alex Koford, & Jason Crosby. Around their prolific individual musical output, they would always come back together as members of the TFB.

A communal bond brought the band members back together in 2022 - a real need to make music together again. Over time, the group’s music has developed organically, merging and fusing each musician’s influences into a hard-charging sound rooted in the communal/collective, telepathic, exploratory spirit of the Grateful Dead. This is a new twist on the band, and we are excited to see where it takes us. What began as a house band for Phil’s Terrapin Crossroads has turned into something much more, and we're excited to take the unique Terrapin Family Band sound into this next era as we explore new musical grounds.