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JAX  PLAYS  DEAD

is a Santa Barbara, California-based Grateful Dead tribute band that conveys the music heart to heart. Jax Plays Dead also plays Dead with meanderings into Jimi Hendrix, Allman Brothers, Avett Brothers, and originals. Your choice for your booking.

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Jackson Gillies is the "Jax" of JAX PLAYS DEAD and a constant presence who is blessed to collaborate with variousbass, drum, keys and rhythm players to share the music he was raised on.

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Friday, Sept. 19th @ 7 pm
The Brewhouse in Santa Barbara - Karen Payton
merch and JPD merch for
Shakedown!  SAVE THE DATE
for Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 pm for JAX PLAYS DEAD at the Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria! 

JAX PLAYS DEAD 8.8.2025 Bellotti Bros. Opener/Shakedown -
a memorable night! Karen Payton Art, Ali Walter with Stealy Flannels & Lauren Henry
Poster by Gus 

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JAX PLAYS DEAD appreciates the fan footage!

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Jackson played with The Bellotti Bros., Ladyfinger and JAX PLAYS DEAD at
Summer Dead Fest 

JAX PLAYS DEAD - EL CAPITAN CANYON 7.5.2025

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JAX PLAYS DEAD - Dead & Co. After Show - VEGAS-  SHAKEDOWN AFTER DARK - TUSCANY HOTEL - COPA ROOM  4.24.2025    11:30 pm to 3 am
(L to R) Jackson Gillies, Chris Ulep, David McInnes, Sasha Cohen,
Sky Ulep, Jaden Lehman, Toby Still
Eyes of the World 

Fire on the Mountain >Waiting in Vain>Fire

China Cat Jam 
Sugaree - 1 . 2 . 3 
Drums
SOhO, Santa Barbara 4.20. 2025 JAX PLAYS DEAD 

JAX PLAYS DEAD - Sold Out Alcazar Theatre , Carpinteria, Ca 4.26.2024
debut album release  originals set 1 
Jax Plays Dead  set 2

Jackson Gillies, Chris Ulep, Jules Sherman, Ben Congdon, Jaden Lehman, David McInness,
Sasha Cohen 

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JAX PLAYS DEAD
NEW YEAR's EVE - Santa Barbara, California 12.31.2024
Jax, David McInness, Jim Rankin, Trey Murphy, Sky Ulep
 

JAX PLAYS DEAD 

​Heads All Happy Hour - Jerry Day SB Celebration   SOhO Music Club - Aug. 1, 2024

Jackson Gillies (JAX) Sky Ulep, Chris Ulep, David McInness, Chuck Hammel,

Hana Ulep, Ben Congdon

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JAX PLAYS DEAD - TRIO
LIVE ON THE MOUNTAIN
Jackson Gillies guitar, vocals
Jules Sherman bass
Sasha Cohen drums

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Other Grateful Dead Inspired Projects...
Ladyfinger Band 
Trey Murphy - uke, Ben Congdon - guitar, Sky Ulep - keys
Brenna Carney - vocals/harp James Cofrancesco - drums
Jackson Gillies - Stand up bass & electric/vocals

"Red House"
Avocado Festival, Carpinteri, Ca
Jackson Gillies guitar, vocals
LP Bertelsen  drums
(Rest In Power)
Bob Gross bass
 

Ladyfinger opener for Sam Grisman Project

Jackson on bass/vocals "Maggie's Farm" and below Sam Grisman Project w/ Ladyfinger "Ripple"

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