Dupree’s Dead Band

Jim Fultz plays the role of drummer Bill Kruetzman for Dupree’s Dead Band. Though he spent much of his career in original music bands in Columbus and Cleveland, he always said that if he were ever to join a tribute band, it would be for either Rush or the Grateful Dead. That dream became a reality when he joined Dupree’s Dead Band, where he continues to thrive as a key player in their tribute to the Grateful Dead’s legacy. He began his musical journey in 1990 after hearing Neil Peart’s iconic drum solo on Exit… Stage Left, which led him to purchase his first drum kit. His early obsession with Rush was soon followed by a life-changing experience attending his first Grateful Dead show in Louisville in 1990. This experience profoundly influenced him both musically and spiritually, sparking his lifelong love for the Grateful Dead. Over the years, Jim has balanced the precision of Rush’s drumming with the free-flowing, improvisational style of the Grateful Dead —two polar-opposite influences that have shaped his own unique musical voice. His other major influences include Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, and Dave Weckl, alongside many other legendary studio drummers.

Mike Hall has been a dedicated percussionist since sixth grade when he first joined his school band, setting the stage for a lifelong journey in music. His influences are as diverse as his musical interests, spanning the classic sounds of the Allman Brothers, Santana, and the Grateful Dead, to genres as varied as heavy metal and the improvisational jazz of Miles Davis. This broad range of influences has shaped Mike’s eclectic style, which blends rhythm, texture, and energy in a way that is uniquely his own. Mike’s deep connection to the Grateful Dead began at the age of 17, when he saw the band perform at the Akron Rubber Bowl on July 2, 1986, alongside Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. That performance sparked a passion for the Dead’s music, and within two days, he was at another show in Orchard Park, New York. From that moment, Mike’s immersion in the Grateful Dead scene
became a defining aspect of his musical journey. One of Mike’s proudest musical achievements is playing with Steve Horvath in Dupree’s Dead Band, as well as contributing his rhythmic talents to a variety of musical projects over the years. In Dupree’s Dead Band, Mike embodies the role of Mickey Hart, capturing the essence of Hart’s distinctive percussion style. Mike’s drum setup is built around a set of mid-70s Ludwig Vistalite drums, known for their striking appearance and iconic sound. He also plays a Ludwig Black Beauty snare drum and incorporates an array of percussion instruments, including wood blocks, cowbells by Latin Percussion, shakers,
tambourines, and maracas, creating rich layers of rhythm and texture during his performances.

Joe Hartsel graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Music Composition and Theory, he has been playing live since he was 16, performing extensively across Northern Ohio and beyond Influenced by iconic artists like Jimmy Smith, Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, and Professor Longhair, he found his connection to the Grateful Dead’s music in 1994 after hearing China Cat Sunflower for the first time. Since then, his musical path has been heavily shaped by the band’s expansive sound and spirit of improvisation. In his current role in Dupree’s Dead Band, he plays the role of keyboardist/organist and sings the songs they performed performed by the Grateful Dead’s keyboardists – mainly Ron “Pigpen” McKernan and Brent Mydland. He plays a Nord Electro and a Hammond X series organ. Joe appreciates the strong sense of family and the constant growth and challenges that playing in Dupree’s Dead Band offers. The band’s evolving setlists and musical progress push him to elevate his own musicianship continuously. His current musical favorites from the Grateful Dead include “Looks Like Rain” and “Help on the Way,” with moments like “Stella Blue” or “Morning Dew” always offering emotional depth. In addition to his work with Dupree’s Dead Band, Joe performs with various projects, including The Mister Breeze Band (Lynyrd Skynyrd covers) and In Demand (R&B and funk), while always composing new music.

Steve Horvath’s musical journey began in North Central Ohio, where he first picked up a guitar in 1988 at the age of 13. Inspired by his favorite band at the time, Metallica, Steve quickly immersed himself in the world of metal. Over time, his musical tastes expanded, and by the early ’90s, the improvisational sounds of jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish captured his attention. His first Grateful Dead concert On June 8, 1992 at the Richfield Coliseum. He was 17 and that proved to be a pivotal life moment, solidifying his passion for the jam band genre. By 1993, Steve’s journey into this dynamic musical style was in full swing. In those formative years, he played at notable Cleveland venues, including Peabody’s Down Under, The Odeon, Hard Rock Cafe, and even the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where his band earned 2nd place in a regional battle of the bands. Beyond these iconic stages, Steve also performed in various smaller venues, sharpening his craft and growing as a performer. In the last decade, Steve has expanded his reach, performing across Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and even four nights in Colorado. Steve finds profound joy in the freedom and challenges of performing with Dupree’s Dead Band, describing it as an incredible experience with some of the nicest and most dedicated musicians he’s ever worked with. His deep emotional connection to the Grateful Dead’s music—particularly Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir’s heartfelt ballads-brings a unique sincerity and depth to his performances. He currently plays PRS, Carvin, and Phred guitars. For his role in Dupree’s Dead Band, Steve plays the Phred Liger exclusively, with his Carvin DC400 as a reliable backup, all through a Kemper Profiler preamplifier. Through his artistry and dedication, Steve continues to honor the legacy of the Grateful Dead while inspiring audiences with his heartfelt performances and passion for improvisational music.

im Schlegel is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has been deeply immersed in music since the age of five. Starting with piano and organ lessons, Jim soon took up guitar at 12 and later sang tenor and bass in the church choir during his teenage years, often playing the organ and occasionally directing the choir. His musical influences are vast, spanning classical music, classic rock, jazz, and a touch of country. Growing up, he was particularly influenced by his father’s piano playing, which included boogie-woogie, early rock ‘n’ roll, and classical pieces. He was also greatly impacted by the works of classical masters like Bach and Chopin. In his early teens, he developed a deep fascination with the music of Led Zeppelin and other bands from that era, but it wasn’t until his late teens that he truly discovered the Grateful Dead. At 18, while driving to a choir practice, a cassette of the Europe ’72 version of “Cold Rain & Snow” played, and it marked the beginning of his lifelong connection to the band. From then on, Jim was initially drawn to the band’s early ’70s music, eventually growing to appreciate their late ’70s and ’80s (he’s a big Brent fan) sounds as well. As a member of Dupree’s Dead Band, which he joined in June 2023, Jim takes on the role of Bob Weir, singing many of the band’s iconic songs, performing backup harmonies, and playing rhythm guitar. His approach, tone, and style are closely modeled after Weir’s, especially from the late ’70s to early ’80s. Jim performs with a 1979 Bob Weir edition Ibanez guitar, which is almost as old as he is and closely resembles the guitars Weir used between 1977 and 1983. What Jim loves most about playing in Dupree’s Dead Band is the sense of adventure in every show. He marvels at how the band interprets and presents each song, with the music flowing naturally and sometimes enchantingly from one piece to the next. He often shares with others that no one is having more fun than the band while they’re performing. Through his time with the band, Jim has learned more about music—its structure, performance, and impact-than he
ever imagined. Playing with Dupree’s Dead Band has also inspired Jim to be involved in other musical projects around Northern Ohio, each of which incorporates the music of the Grateful Dead. For Jim, it is a dream come true to perform the music that has shaped his life and the lives of others, alongside such talented musicians in Dupree’s.

With over 25 years of experience on guitar and bass, Nick White has built a distinguished career fueled by a deep passion for music. A lifelong admirer of The Beatles, their timeless melodies and groundbreaking creativity sparked Nick’s musical journey and remain a cornerstone of his inspiration. That journey expanded in middle school with the discovery of the Grateful Dead. Captivated by their eclectic sound and the countercultural spirit of the 1960s, Nick found his entry point through the Without a Net album. This pivotal moment ignited a lifelong connection to the Dead’s music, with St. Stephen holding a special place in his heart as a cherished favorite. Nick’s career is marked by notable accomplishments, including the recording of eight full-length albums and extensive touring across 44 U.S. states and eight countries, among them Canada, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, he specializes in electric and upright bass as well as guitar. He currently plays a Yamaha BB435 5-String Bass, generously provided by Chagrin Valley
Music. In November 2023, Nick joined Dupree’s Dead Band, stepping into the role of bassist in homage to Phil Lesh, one of the Grateful Dead’s founding members. For Nick, the most fulfilling aspect of being part of the band is the vibrant sense of community shared with its fanbase. The unique bond between the musicians and their audience transforms every performance into a celebration of music and connection. Nick’s previous projects include Whiskey Kiss, a rockabilly and roots rock band based in Phoenix, Arizona. This venture was particularly significant as it combined the joys of collaboration and family-Nick toured and recorded alongside the band’s lead singer, his wife. Today, Nick lives in Solon, Ohio, where he continues to share his passion for music
with his family and the community. With each performance, Nick contributes his talent, energy, and dedication to celebrating the legacies of his influences while inspiring others in the ever-evolving world of music.