Allman Brothers / Dead w/ Skydog and The Kind

“To be the best damn Allman Brothers tribute band in the world,” remarks Jeremy Simmons with a tinge of well-earned confidence when speaking on the mission of the renowned SKYDOG.

 Comprised of Virginia natives, the band admirably revives the music of the late brothers with a palpable passion that is so gleamingly apparent.

As a band that has been playing for nearly 11 years, SKYDOG has earned a following that ranges from a nostalgic fanbase reminiscing on the Fillmore East years to an ecstatic crowd of rhythm and blues, rock, jazz, classic country and sheer music appreciators.

The idea of a band that entirely paid homage to one of the most iconic bands of their era has been in discussion amongst Simmons for decades. In 2009, the Simmons brothers and close friends brought that passionate dream into fruition. Following their initial formation, SKYDOG has since been living on the euphoric high that is inherent in the band’s performances. “As Duane would say, when you’re "hittin' the note", there’s no better feeling” says Simmons in a conversation that makes it obvious he’s doing what he loves. With the high energy of their crowds propelling the band to perform with an uninhibited perseverance, SKYDOG thrives in the beautifully unmatched experience that is innate in their shows. 

SKYDOG embodies what it means to be fervidly passionate about what they do: performing art that resonates with people. And they “have a damn good time doing it.”

Preserving in the face of doubt when questions like, “can we pull this off?” and “can a group of guys come together and make this magic?” arose; SKYDOG has been on a rocking highway of resurrecting performances. With uplifting arrangements that are integral to the sound of the Allman Brothers, SKYDOG is a band that represents the traits of brotherhood, revitalized output and musical dexterity.  - Anna Menendez 
 

The Kind’s Bio

The Kind has been playing in Southwest Virginia and beyond since 1986. The Kind features founding members Wendy Godley (guitar, vocals) and Tom Snediker (guitar and vocals) along with Rick Godley (drums), Stuart Draper (bass, vocals), and David Garland (keyboards). The Kind has been privileged to perform with the likes of Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane & Hot Tuna), Rick Danko (The Band), Merle Saunders (The Jerry Garcia Band), The New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Jefferson Starship. The Kind will be playing the part of the Grateful Dead for this show. This is familiar ground for them as they have been playing The Dead’s music for the last 34 years.

Tom Snediker – Lead guitar, vocals. Tom has been playing in the Kind since it's inception. He also plays in the bluegrass bands Crossties, and Johnny Cake and the Lunch Truck. In addition, he played for several years with the gypsy jazz band, Scott Fore and His Hillbilly Hot Club. Tom has also played in the orchestra pit for many musical theater productions including Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Once Upon a Mattress, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Godspell, and Shrek the Musical. When Tom isn't playing guitar or being a family man, he enjoys his time as an instructional designer at Radford University's Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.

Wendy Godley – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar. Wendy is a founding member of The Kind. Not your typical female guitarist, Wendy is a chief instigator in sending the band off in psychedelic grooves. Wendy also performs acoustic shows solo, or with another musical cohort or two. You can also find Wendy teaching music 6 days a week at Mainstream Music in Blacksburg, VA

Stuart Draper - bass guitar, vocals. Stuart has been playing bass guitar since 2001. He sang and jammed in a few small bands with friends and also in college. Stuart graduated from Hampden Sydney College with a four-year degree in music. Soon after graduating, Stuart joined The Kind in 2011. He continues to be a driven, melodic bassist as well as a dynamic vocal force. His playing skills combined with his love of the Grateful Dead and other bands makes him a great fit in The Kind!

David Garland - keyboards. David began sitting in with The Kind in early 2014 and is our most recent addition. He studied classical piano as a kid and first played with a band while in college. He has since played with other local bands in Richmond and Washington D.C. David arrived at the gangplank of The Kind with a working knowledge of the music of the Dead and other masterminds of classic rock.

Rick Godley – Drums. Rick brings his 35 years of drumming experience to the stage in an energetic way. His back beats meld with the Kind's psychedelic grooves in such a way that people cannot resist the urge to get up & dance. When Rick isn't performing with the Kind, you can catch him playing with other bands and in the orchestra pit of various musical productions around the area. Like Wendy, Rick also enjoys teaching music 6 days a week in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.