A group of musicians who blend different traditions into their own sound is coming to Brattleboro.
Skeleton Crewe performances include original compositions, many composed by Robert Hunter collaborating with Rob Barraco, as well as improvisations, and favorites from the Grateful Dead catalog. The group’s sound mixes psychedelic Americana and traditional Hawaiian music into something new.
Skeleton Crew comprises Rob Barraco, Barry Sless, Stephen Inglis, Pete Sears, and Jay Lane. Most of the members have worked together in other groups before coming together as Skeleton Crew. These include The Dead, Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh & Friends, Dennis Kamakahi, and Dead & Company.
In addition to Barraco on keyboards, the Crew is Barry Sless on electric guitar, pedal steel, and vocals; Stephen Inglis on electric guitar and slack key guitar; and bassist Pete Sears, who has worked with legends like Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship. Drummer Jay Lane rounds out the group. Slack key guitar and pedal steel have a lilting quality that bring a Hawaiian flavor to the performances.
The group started in 2024, when Inglis and Sless joined for a single performance. They were a hit and attracted Rob Barraco, who fit in easily. Their connection led them to add Jay Lane and Pete Sears, who were long-time friends of Barry Sless, to round out the group.
The concert is set for February 25 at 8.00 pm at The Stone Church in Brattleboro. Events like this benefit when organizers use poster printing to create advertisements for them.
