Jam Band Poetry

A classically-trained improvisational pianist, Rob is known for his album of original compositions, "Calico Cat." His first solo piano Grateful Dead album, "A Grand Piano Tribute to the Grateful Dead" was featured on the syndicated Sirius XM show, "Tales from the Golden Road," and "The Grateful Dead Hour." The second, "Live in The Redwoods," also drew critical acclaim from David Gans, who called Rob "a worthy practioner (of the solo piano Grateful Dead genre)."

Rob also has a solo piano album of Beatles covers, "All You Need Is Love," and a collection of singles ranging from reggae to bebop. Available on all streaming platforms, and on robcatterton.com with downloads, free listening, and CDs.

Gwynn O'Gara is a Northern California poet with roots in the natural world, Beat poetry, and her early years in Mexico. O'Gara found her voice performing in San Francisco's North Beach, and her first book, Snake Woman Poems, was celebrated at City Lights Bookstore in 1983. Gwynn was honored to serve as Sonoma County Poet Laureate from 2010 to 2011.

With Sonoma Coast Records, Gwynn performs her distinctive Jam Band Poetry set with The LushCattPark Band, with musical soundscapes written and arranged by Rob Catterton. Gwynn's poetic narratives tell stories of love, of loss, of cultural change and personal fulfillment, and the musical accompaniment brings depth and power to the visionary poetry.

Published in Calyx, Paddlefish, and The Comstock Review, O'Gara's work also appears in anthologies, including Beatitude Silver and Gold editions; Sisters Born, Sisters Found; and Pillow, Exploring the Heart of Eros. Read Gwynn's poetry at gwynnogara.com and her latest book, We Who Dream.

Founded in 1978, the DBB was one of the earliest known Grateful Dead cover bands. Known for glittering Dark Stars and a surprisingly deep catalog of original material, the echoes of this pioneering band are still being felt. Featuring John Stewart and Tom Reiners on guitar and vocals, Rob Catterton on keyboards, Ed Large on bass, and Jon Leet on drums, the group found time to gig in Telluride, Vail, and Colorado Springs, even though the band members were students from Colorado College!

John Stewart went on to gig with Bob Weir, and on one notable occasion, included Rob Catterton on the date. Archival tapes are being assembled for restoration and release. Learn more about the Damaged Banana Band on Facebook.