About Us

Michael Sanfosso started playing music in his hometown of Ocean City, NJ where he studied singing, piano, and guitar. After music training in High School and Gettysburg College, he hit the stage in 1985, playing with shore bands including the popular Person-L, a favorite of the local surf community. Michael relocated to Philadelphia in 1986 to audition, began working in studios, and was performing at night with local bands Scarlet Fire and Modern Beatnik.  

During this period, his fierce tone was featured on records by The Mustangs, Slide, and Brother Thump, while working by day as a technician ,and engineer in studios in the Philadelphia area.  Slide won fan acclaim, and signed with Grammy-winning producer David Ivory in 1992.  Then came more accolades for their 1993 album "Focus" on the IKON label, winning the 1994 NARAS award for Best Funk Album. Michael also appeared that year with Grateful Dead vocalist Bob Weir, on WHYY Radio program, hosted by Philadelphia Folkfest MC, Gene Shay. He also performed with Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews Band, No Doubt, Govt Mule, Ben Harper, and a night backing up Peter Himmelman, at the Middle East club in Phila

Miguel spent 1996-2000 playing with a revamped lineup of Living Earth, where he connected with keyboardist, Bob Albasi, refining his guitar and vocal chops, and setting the stage for the next two Grateful decades. He slowly perfected the stylistic nuances of Garcia, after doing the rhythm parts and the voice of Bob Weir. Since then, Michael has been on the GD radar,  staying on the short list after stage appearances with Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals and JGB, Box Of Rain. Fans from coast to coast began hearing about his uncanny channeling of Garcia music.  

Michael found time to produce two solo CDs in 2002 and 2006, featuring his original music with a live Funk trio, and toured with Reggae artists Jah Witness, Mystic Rebel, and Ihi Yahn Ihi Arkestra. After being voted Relix Magazine's 2009 Jam Off Contest winner for his self-produced record "Get The Keys", Michael toured with West Coast Funk singer, Pamela Parker, performing at Yoshi's SF, touring throughout the West Coast, and culminating with an appearance at the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock at Golden Gate Park.  Later that year, Michael played with GD vocalist Donna Jean Godschaux and David Gans at Nelson Ledges, OH for an impromptu jam at Gratefulfest 10.

In 2017, Michael  did a tour with popular Midwest tribute The Schwag, bringing his undeniable talent across the United States. With his soulful, reminiscent voice and monster Garcia guitar sound, Michael left them wanting more in theaters from St. Louis to California. Since his career began, he has performed with Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna), Ronnie Penque (NRPS), Sandy Mack, Keller Williams, David Gans, Stu Allen, David Nelson, David Grisman, Bob Stirner, Jeff Pivar, Greg Koch, Junior Marvin, Zebi Griffiths, Earl "Chinna' Smith, Lonnie Mack, Eric Johnson, Bill Vitt and Tony Saunders.  

Michael is sponsered by Phred Instruments.

Michael lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and Manager, Melanie, and is a devoted father of three sons, Phoenix, Elijah, Raiden, and 3 cats, Max, Geronimo, and Ché.

Although Kris Kehr is known as a multi-instrumentalist, bass has been a common thread throughout his career since joining the Progressive Bluegrass band, Pavlov’s Dawgs, who won the NYC Bluegrass Contest in 1992.  He spent a bunch of years on the jamband circuit, playing mostly mandolin as a member of the Recipe. 

He's listed in Dean Budnick’s Guide to Jambands! Kris has appeared with The Dickie Betts Band, Southern Culture on the Skids, Steve Forbert, Bill Monroe, and Moe, has had regular sit-ins with Max Creek and Vince Welnick, played with Vassar Clements and Tom  Paxton, and has shared the stage with Mike Gordon, Scott Murawski, Barry Sless, Mookie Siegel and Tom  Constanten.  

In 2010, Kris and Michael played together in the short-lived Deadgrass band, Nine Finger Saloon. About 2015, Kris cut back his traveling to raise a family, give music lessons, and play locally. Kris is also an incredible Tie Dye artist, founding Brighter Days Dyes and making the custom Pure Jerry shirts come alive. His work was featured during the 2025 Dead and Co. tour, worn by bassist Oteil Burbridge. 

Kris lives in Shoemakersville, PA with his wife, Julie, and his daughter.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrighterDayzDyes

 Matthew Cullen was born in Mt. View, California in 1966.  Number nine of ten children in a musical family, the Cullens moved east to Pennsylvania when Matt was one, and settled in Wyomissing Park, just west of Reading. Matt first started playing clarinet in elementary school, but quickly requested to move to percussion while attending Sacred Heart Catholic School in West Reading.  While in seventh grade, Matt was recruited to help the marching band and pit band for musicals at Holy Name High School. He later joined his first local band performing at swimming pools, school dances  and summer events in Berks County.   

Cullen performed in clubs and bars as a teenager and went on to perform through college with cover and original bands, all while completing his teaching degree at Millersville University. During his thirty-four year career in Public Education teaching Industrial Arts, Technology Education, STEM, Theater Production, and Stage Craft, Matt was performing on weekends and during summer break.  He played with Reading-area GD tribute, Good Lovin' Jamband, where he first played with Miguel in 2011.  

Matt also has a passion for music production.  He currently works as Production Manager at Mickey’s Black Box, located on Rock Lititz Campus, also doing stagehand work at Rock Lititz Studios and with IATSE Local 97 at venues in his hometown. Matt also volunteers to assist with Production and Events for non-profit Berks Arts and Humane PA.  Matt took a break after over forty years performing live, and is excited to be performing again.   “I am truly honored and looking forward to the opportunity share the stage with PURE JERRY."

Matt resides in West Reading with his wife, Kerry, their mini poodle mix, Gypsy, and their beta fish, Mickey.

Front of House Engineer and Archivist, Tom has been with PURE JERRY since Day 1.  Tom brings his wisdom and experience to the Soundboard with an undeniable ear for mixing. An original Deadhead taper and recording engineer, The Hoff is old school to the core. He started mixing Miguel in 1992 and he is the real deal. 

Tom is kind, helpful and has a wealth of skillsets in technical issues. His mixes are reminiscent of classic 80's GD shows, with all the Dan Healy style trimmings.

 Tom lives in Philadelphia, PA with his rescue greyhound, Mickey!