The worlds of Hawaiian slack key guitar, psychedelic pedal steel, and masterful keyboard work converge as three virtuosos of the jam band scene announce their debut tour as Skeleton Krewe Trio. Born from a serendipitous collaboration in early 2024, this unique musical collective features Rob Barraco (Dark Star Orchestra, Phil Lesh & Friends, The Dead), Barry Sless (Bob Weir and Wolf Bros, David Nelson Band, Phil Lesh and Friends), and Grammy-nominated Hawaiian slack key guitarist Stephen Inglis. The Trio expands to a Quintet at two events on the tour with the addition of Barraco's bandmate in DSO, Skip Vangelas on bass plus his son Tom Barraco on drums for the Feb. 22 and 23 dates at the Brooklyn Bowl and Newton Theatre respectively.
The group's formation traces back to January 2024, when Sless and Inglis first joined forces for what was meant to be a one-off performance. The chemistry was immediate and undeniable. The duo's successful California shows caught the attention of keyboard virtuoso Rob Barraco, who joined forces with Inglis during a Dark Star Orchestra show at the Hawaii Theatre in April 2024. The natural musical connection between all three players led to the formation of Skeleton Krewe Trio.
This groundbreaking collaboration brings together three distinct musical traditions: Inglis's mastery of Hawaiian slack key guitar (he's a recipient of the prestigious Ki Hōʻalu Legacy Award), Sless's pioneering pedal steel work that has graced stages with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, and Barraco's sophisticated keyboard artistry that earned him a place in The Dead's lineup. An experience that preceded nearly two decades holding the keyboardist chameleon role within Dark Star Orchestra.
Each night, with Inglis & Sless on pedal steel, slack key, electric guitars and Barraco on keys, two sets of Skeleton Krewe Trio promises to offer high level artistry hosting an intimate evening of original compositions, Grateful Dead interpretations, and dynamic improvisations that span genres from traditional Hawaiian to psychedelic Americana.
"This collaboration represents a unique moment in time where three distinct musical paths converge," notes Barraco. "We're creating something entirely new while honoring the traditions we each bring to the table." The tour will feature both seated and standing venues, with capacities ranging from intimate clubs to historic theaters, allowing audiences to experience this extraordinary musical alchemy up close.
Skeleton Krewe Trio Tour Dates:
Feb. 20 • The Hamilton • Washington, DC
Feb. 21 • 118 North • Wayne, PA
Feb. 22 • Brooklyn Bowl • Williamsburg, NY *
Feb. 23 • Newton Theatre • Newton, NJ *
Feb. 24 • Rams Head On Stage • Annapolis, MD
Feb. 26 • Space Ballroom • Hamden, CT
Feb. 27 • Portland House of Music & Events • Portland, ME
Feb. 28 • Bearsville Theater • Woodstock, NY
Mar. 1 • Narrows Center for the Arts • Fall River, MA
Mar. 2 • Iron Horse • Northampton, MA
* = Skeleton Krewe Quintet featuring Rob Barraco & Skip Vangelas of Dark Star Orchestra, Stephen Inglis, Barry Sless & Tom Barraco
Tickets are on sale now via https://linktr.ee/theskeletonkrewe
