The Wheel Performs Veneta, Oregon 8/27/72

Join in welcoming The Wheel back to Lark Hall in Albany. This time The Wheel performs The Grateful Dead’s Veneta, Oregon, 8/27/72 live set.

Buckle up, put it in gear, and enjoy the ride with NY Capital Region’s authentic sounding Grateful Dead tribute band, The Wheel as they put their driving spin on the music you love and enjoy.

“The Wheel brings a big, danceable groove to the party, driven by the deep pocket of rhythm guitarist and bandleader Andy Morse, bassist Dave Pallas, drummer Joe Sorbero and percussionist Pete Andriakos. They provide an unshakable foundation over which lead guitarist Bryan Gautie and keyboardist Rick Rothermel weave solo after evocative solo together with virtuosity and taste. Yet they are also capable of complex, interwoven conversations that display the nuance and dynamic range of the Dead’s music in quieter, more blissful passages. Vocally, The Wheel possesses a diverse blend of styles, from Morse’s smooth, heartfelt delivery, Rothermel’s full-throated soul, Bryan Gautie’s Jerry Garcia-like tenderness to Jill Gautie’s soaring harmonies.” – Nippertown 2021

Andy Morse: (Rhythm guitar and vocals) Known to many a family as Andy “The Music Man” (www.andysings.com) has been a full time musician since 1995 when he hung up his time card and picked up his guitar to become a traveling troubadour bringing music to children’s lives across the county. Andy studied under Mathew Smith currently of Six String Ranch in Austin TX. Andy also played with Rainbow Full of Sound, Duck Duck Goose, and Fearsome Critters.

Bryan Gautie: (Lead guitar and vocals) Bryan joined The Wheel in the summer of 2015 adding his dead on 70’s style of Jerry leads driving the band down the road to colorful destinations. Bryan unknowingly followed a similar path of Jerry, studying bluegrass and then eventually discovering the music of the Grateful Dead. Gratefully he still has all ten fingers. Bryan has played in Ice Nine, Yukon Cornelius and Slipknot.

Jill Gautie (vocals) Hmmm her last name is the same as Bryan’s! Jill has performed in many bands over the years and is able to reach deep down to your soul with her vocals.

Dr. Dave Pallas: (5 string bass) The Dr. is in session! When you’re not sitting on the couch in front of him you’ll find him supporting the back bone of the beat while adventuring into uncharted waters. No life raft needed. Dave has played in many bands over the years, Duck Duck Goose, The Swing Docs, Missing Link. Andy and Dave have been jamming together on a consistent basis since 1985, life long musical friends.

Joe Sorbero (drums and vocals) Joe was born with drums sticks in his hinds with a passion for holding down the rhythm like no other. Joe’s Dad also a life long drummer who helped pave the way that lead him to The Wheel. When Joe’s not on stage with The Wheel you can find him dancing on the skins for the NolaNauts.

Dr. Pete Andriakos (percussion) When you’re not on “Dr. Sleep’s” surgery table you’ll find him adding many beautiful colors and rhythmic patterns to complete the canvas. Grateful to have Pete along for the ride as our newest member. Pete is also in the Nolanauts.

Keys, Grateful to Kenny Schneidman and Curtis Becraft offering their excellent soulful key sounds and vocals as we look for a new permanent key player. We wish former key player Rick Rothermel well in his journey.

Kenny Schneidman is an artist and musician living in Woodstock, NY. His musical roots trace back to his child hood, beginning with traditional classical piano lessons at the tender age of 8. Kenny played in numerous bands with silly names likes Devil’s Chamber, Mark Twang, and Stone Deaf, as well as one of the earliest Grateful Dead cover bands on the planet, the Lost Highway Ramblers, from 1977-1981, with occasional reunions when the opportunity arises. He currently handles the keyboards and vocal duties with the Misty Mountain Ramblers, a Woodstock based band of seasoned musicians. He often sits in with other bands throughout the region.