Members

About Us

Michael Sanfosso

Veteran "Grateful" guitarist and vocalist, Michael "Miguel" Sanfosso, started playing music in his hometown of Ocean City, NJ where he studied singing, piano, and guitar. Michael relocated to Philadelphia in 1986, performing with Scarlet Fire, Modern Beatnik, Brother Thump, Splintered Sunlight, Steal Your Face, appeared with Grateful Dead vocalist Bob Weir, on WHYY Radio program hosted by Philadelphia Folk fest MC, Gene Shay, in 1994.

Miguel spent 1996-2000 playing with a revamped lineup of the legendary Living Earth, where he connected with keyboardist Bob Albasi, perfecting his guitar and vocal chops, and setting the stage for the next two decades. Michael has been on the GD radar for awhile now, after appearances with Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals and JGB. Fans from coast to coast began hearing about his uncanny channeling of Garcia music. Over the past decade, he has played with Michael Falzarano, Ronnie Penque, Sandy Mack, Keller Williams, David Gans, David Nelson Band, and Donna Jean Godschaux. In 2017, he did a tour with popular Midwest tribute The Schwag, bringing his undeniable talent to theaters across the United States.

Michael produced two solo CDs in 2002 and 2006, featuring his original music, and live Funk trio. After being voted Relix Magazine's 2009 Jam Off Contest winner, Michael toured with West Coast Funk singer, Pamela Parker, appearing at Nelson Ledges, OH for Gratefulfest 10, Yoshi's SF, and the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock at Golden Gate Park. 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

Chris Mufalli

Chris has been playing drums for over twenty years. He enjoys the collaborative aspect of playing. He strives to get the sound that will best serve the music. His musical taste is broad, and his style is not only influenced by Jam bands, but also psychedelic rock, funk, folk, and blues. Chris joined PURE JERRY after a glorious sit in with the band at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA, and was immediately hired. His responsiveness and tasty grooves caught Miguel's ear, and soon they were pushing limits onstage with ease. Simply put... he's the guy. He doesn't even know he's the guy. Chris also built his drums by hand (and has built much more)! He is a skilled Designer/Craftsman. Buy him a beer, and talk to him about your next project idea!

See some of his work here: https://www.goodolworkshop.com/

Chris lives in NJ with his wife, daughter, and their dogs, Clyde and Louie.

Cynthia Bagola

Cynthia has that bluesy, soul sound that brings to mind the gospel vibe of JGB. She also sings rock and roll with the female-fronted, Tru-Blu Band. She has a successful career in Information Technology, operates a part-time Audio/Video Production company, and makes music under her own moniker, Green Eyed Soul. Cynthia nails the parts onstage, therefore, most people are completely unaware that she lost her hearing as an adult, and relies on two Cochlear Baha Implants to hear and sing! ONE more interesting fact... Cynthia and Michael are cousins,and were the two oldest children in a large Italian family. Cynthia has a daughter, and lives in Ambler, PA with her cats, Shadow and Sadie.

BOB ALBASI

NJ native, Bob Albasi, joined Pure Jerry at the end of Summer, 2021. He is an incredible keyboardist, vocalist, and an original member of the legendary Living Earth. Bob toured the East Coast from 1985 to 1999, making one record for the RELIX label. Bob and Michael first played together in a recharged lineup, featuring original Living Earth members Bob Stirner (Box of Rain) and Jerry Marx (Box of Rain). Perfectly complementing the huge songlist, Albasi is also a lead vocalist, providing the voices of both Bob Dylan and Levon Helm. As a musician and member, Bob brings experience and steady grooviness with a rootsy, Hammond-organ style that is perfectly suited for the band. Albasi's song knowledge and relaxed mastery of melodies is endlessly inspiring. Bob lives in Cinnaminson, NJ with his wife Beth.

Raiden James

Raiden has been playing guitar since age 10. After getting his first electric guitar at age 13, he studied briefly with family friends, including Rob Perna, Jr. (New Kings of Rythym, Onyx&Honey.). At 15, he was making beats, writing original music, and producing others' music. He then studied with Miguel, growing in leaps and bounds. He played at the Jenkintown Arts Festival in 2019 and performed his originals at Milo - the Meeting House in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia in 2021. Raiden is a multi-instrumentalist and a vocalist. He joined PURE JERRY in July, 2023, studying the Weir parts and perfecting vocal harmony. He currently resides at the PURE JERRY compound in W. Mt. Airy, Philadelphia.

JOSH PETRAUSKAS

Josh’s musical passion began at an early age, influenced by his family’s love of music. They introduced him to tunes from Jethro Tull, Chicago, Bonnie Raitt, Phish, and, of course, Grateful Dead. Josh received an A.S. in Audio Production from The New England Institute of Art and Communication in 2005. While there, he interned at Bill’s Bar and The Paradise Rock Club, helping mix monitors for acts, such as Galactic, Lisa Marie Presley, and Umphrey’s McGee. He returned home to become the Head Recording Engineer at Phoenix Guitar Studio in Limerick, PA. (Fun fact: PGS co-owned by Miguel!). He founded a live sound company, Rudimental Sound Productions, with his brother, Matt, and great friend, Jeff Frederick. Matt, Jeff ,Josh, and bass guitarist, Mike Banos, formed the band, The Shine, who created the 5-year running music festival, Shinefest. Josh decided to focus on raising his family, and put music on hold for a while. Now, he is back on the drum throne with PURE JERRY! Josh resides in Bally, PA with his wife, Bre, 3 teenage children, and their dogs, Charlie, Sarge, and Dart.

Kris Kehr

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. He lives in Leesport, PA with his wife, Julie, and his daughter.

Tom "The Hoff" Hoffman

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 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!