About
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Brooke Kafka - co-founder
sax, keys, vocals
Born & raised in Kansas City, Brooke has been playing saxophone & piano since she was young. She attended the conservatory at UMKC and studied under some of the greatest musicians of our time, including Bobby Watson and Joe Miquelon. Brooke currently plays in many tribute bands including Grateful Dead, Bob Seger, Joe Bonamassa, Phish, James Brown, and several other classic rock/pop cover bands. Brooke also embarked on her first national tour over the summer of 2023.
Michelle Cox - co-founder
guitar, violin, vocals
Michelle Cox is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist playing keyboard, rhythm guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and violin.
She is also a classically trained vocalist & has her undergraduate degree in music with an emphasis in vocal performance from MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Michelle also served for several years as the music director for Kansas City’s oldest and largest Jewish congregation, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Michelle currently plays with several other local KC bands doing covers of the Grateful Dead, Bob Seger, other classic rock music, and one band that does original music.
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Ashlyn Rozean -
ukulele, vocals
Ashlyn Rozean grew up in the bluegrass scene, getting inspiration from her Dad who played guitar and also sang. She loves to play all styles of music, and has started performing seriously in the last year and a half doing solo shows until she fell into rhythm with Brooke and Michelle. She's a hairstylist with a love for all music, and brings passion to all her crafts! She's looking forward to the grateful adventure she's starting with these AMAZING humans. You can check out her music on TikTok @ashinthegrass3 , and also on IG @ashlynrozean. Stay grateful!
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​Krista Gurney -
Upright Bass, backing vocals
Krista "Rainbow" Gurney, our bassist and vocal support, is a long time Dead Head, having her roots in Grateful Dead tour in the 90's. Seeing Jerry play and sing at an early age starting in 1991 changed her life forever,
and she continues to be on the pursuit of fun in this lifetime.
She has been playing the Upright bass for a few years, mostly at Bluegrass Festivals & jamming with friends. She is delighted to be part
of Dames of the Dead, bringing her passion & love of all kinds of music,
and art. Krista is also a fiber artist, former Art Teacher, and professionally trained Hatter. You can check out her Art and Music posts on her Instagram RainbowKrista. Keep on Truckin'!
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Wynne Smith -
Percussion, backing vocals
Wynne has spent over 50 years hearing the Grateful Dead and various jam bands. She saw Jerry perform 69 times, and the Grateful Dead 144 times.
She is well known for supporting many different genres of local music,
and musicians as well as bigger touring bands in Kansas City, Colorado,
and California by spinning/twirling at concerts; A different kind of Merry Prankster, so-to-speak. She is excited to be part of this all female band with a stellar lineup of talented women, and is looking forward to the future musical endeavors with Dames of the Dead!
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Ashley "Ziggy" Zeigenbein-
Keys & backing vocals
Raised in the Missouri Ozarks, at the age of 6, Ziggy first heard what would become a lifelong passion - ragtime piano. From there, she was hooked on music: taking lessons, doing recitals & competitions, learning multiple instruments, and teaching many lessons over the years. Ziggy had her first international tour when she was 17, touring 7 different European countries, playing 4-mallet marimba and vibes. After studying the piano at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, she toured across the country with multiple bands for years. Ziggy has been a featured player in the Lawrence & Kansas City scenes as both a stage and studio musician. Ziggy has also enjoyed a successful career in the circus arts, as well as having her own clothing line. She believes the Grateful Dead saved her life, and she is so excited for the possibilities of this band!
