Meet Steve Liesman of the Sound Shore’s ‘Grateful Dead’

On a quiet Wednesday night in Port Chester dozens of Deadheads milled around the front of Garcia’s bar and music venue anxious for the show to start. It was not during the nine-night Furthur run that brought thousands of hippies from across the country to The Capitol Theatre.

On this Wednesday night, the fans were there to see the Stella Blues Band, a group of seven local men who are dedicated to recreating the experience of being at a Grateful Dead show.

Each musician became “hooked” on Dead music as teenagers, most from going to their first live show. Decades later and they are grateful for the opportunity to be creating live shows of their own at Westchester and Connecticut area venues.

 By day the band members are working in finance, reporting on economics on CNBC or in providing music therapy to those with disabilities, but on show nights, the collective group is dedicated to the poetic lyrics, the chance to improve, the thrill of performing live and the passionate fan base. 

The band was founded in 2009 with five original members and has grown into seven today.

The band consists of Bill Bonacci, a New Rochelle resident who sings and plays lead guitar; Steve Liesman, a Pelham resident who sings and plays rhythm guitar; Greg Solomon, a Greenwich resident who plays bass; Ken Aigen, a Hastings resident who plays keyboards; Marc Loponte, a Rye resident who sings; Chuck Black, a Rye resident on the drums and JP Geoghegan, a Stamford, Ct. resident, who also on the drums.

During their recent residency at Garcia’s the group attracted hundreds of music lovers and true Deadheads who knew the lyrics as well as the band. They have about a 100-song repertoire and strive to avoid repeat songs. During their last night at Garcia’s the fans picked the songs.

Patch stopped in early on their final night at Garcia’s to ask the band members a few questions about their time at the venue, what attracted them to Grateful Dead music; and how they balance family, work and shows. We also made them each pick their favorite Dead song.

This is the fourth in a series of Q&As with each band member.

Name: Steve Liesman

Instrument: Rhythm Guitar and Vocals

Occupation: Senior Economics Reporter at CNBC. Liesman is a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning journalist. 

Town: Pelham 

How did you get into the Grateful Dead?

When I was 15 I heard a tape. In 78 I went to the Meadowlands for my first show and I got hooked after that.

What do you like about Dead music?

I think the music is interesting, emotional and has a lot of adrenaline.

I started playing guitar to figure it all out.

 What is your favorite Dead song?

Terrapin Station or Lazy Lighting.

How has your residency been at Garcia’s?

 It has been unbelievable. The people, staff and management at Garcia’s have been amazing. They are committed to live music. They are about the artist and about the music.

 What does your family think of the band?

Well, it's a balancing act. My wife thinks I play too much, but likes to see me play. I don't think my kids (two boys, 15 and 13) know what to think of their old Dad in a rock band, much less a Dead band. I think they just laugh at me, but they do reluctantly help me load my gear, sometimes for a fee. 

How do you balance work and the band?

Making time for work and the band usually means cutting back on sleep and catching up on it when you can.  

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Liesman also plays Dead and other covers with his other band, Steve Liesman & The Mooncussers. 

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Stella Blue’s Band upcoming shows:

Saturday, June 29, Stella Blue’s Bar, New Haven, Ct., 9 p.m., $5

Saturday, July 20, Uncle Henry’s, Harrison, NY, 9 p.m. $5

Friday, August 2, Monster B’s, Stamford, Ct., 9 p.m., $5

Thursday, Sept. 12, Sullivan Hall, NY,NY, 9 p.m., $10 in advance, $12 at the door

Check them out at Facebook.com/stellabluesband and stellabluesband.net