Pure Jerry Members

Michael Sanfosso started his music journey in his hometown of Ocean City, NJ, where he studied singing, piano, and guitar. After receiving music training in high school and at Gettysburg College, he hit the stage in 1985, performing with shore bands, including the popular Person-L, a favorite among the local surf community. In 1986, Michael relocated to Philadelphia to audition and began working in studios while performing at night with local bands such as Scarlet Fire and Modern Beatnik, featuring talented band members who contributed to his growth as an artist.

During this period, his fierce tone was showcased on records by The Mustangs, Slide, and Brother Thump, while he worked days as a technician and engineer in studios throughout the Philadelphia area. Slide gained fan acclaim and signed with Grammy-winning producer David Ivory in 1992. More accolades followed with their 1993 album "Focus" on the IKON label, which won the 1994 NARAS award for Best Funk Album. That year, Michael also made a notable appearance with Grateful Dead vocalist Bob Weir on WHYY Radio, hosted by Philadelphia Folkfest MC Gene Shay. He shared stages with renowned artists such as Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews Band, No Doubt, Govt Mule, Ben Harper, and even backed Peter Himmelman at the Middle East club in Philadelphia.

From 1996 to 2000, Michael played with a revamped lineup of Living Earth, where he collaborated with keyboardist Bob Albasi, refining his guitar and vocal chops and laying the groundwork for the next two decades. He gradually perfected the stylistic nuances of Jerry Garcia's guitar work while performing rhythm parts and emulating the voice of Bob Weir. Michael has since remained on the Grateful Dead radar, staying on the short list after stage appearances with Dark Star Orchestra, Melvin Seals and JGB, and Box Of Rain, with fans from coast to coast recognizing his uncanny ability to channel Garcia's music.

In addition to his work with various bands, Michael found time to produce two solo CDs in 2002 and 2006, featuring his original music with a live Funk trio. He toured with reggae artists Jah Witness, Mystic Rebel, and Ihi Yahn Ihi Arkestra. After winning Relix Magazine's 2009 Jam Off Contest for his self-produced record "Get The Keys," he toured with West Coast funk singer Pamela Parker, performing at Yoshi's SF and throughout the West Coast, culminating in a performance at the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock at Golden Gate Park. Later that year, he jammed with GD vocalist Donna Jean Godschaux and David Gans at Nelson Ledges, OH, during an impromptu session at Gratefulfest 10.

In 2017, Michael toured with the popular Midwest tribute band The Schwag, showcasing his undeniable talent across the United States. With his soulful voice and impressive Garcia guitar sound, he left audiences wanting more during live performances from St. Louis to California. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous artists, including 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 sponsored by Phred Instruments and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA, with his wife and manager, Melanie, and is a devoted father to three sons: Phoenix, Elijah, Raiden, as well as three 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 several years on the jamband circuit, primarily playing mandolin as a member of the Recipe, which contributed to his music biography filled with diverse experiences. Kris is listed in Dean Budnick’s Guide to Jambands! He has shared the stage with notable band members such as The Dickie Betts Band, Southern Culture on the Skids, Steve Forbert, Bill Monroe, and Moe. Additionally, he has had regular sit-ins with Max Creek and Vince Welnick, played alongside Vassar Clements and Tom Paxton, and collaborated with Mike Gordon, Scott Murawski, Barry Sless, Mookie Siegel, and Tom Constanten during various live performances. In 2010, Kris and Michael performed together in the short-lived Deadgrass band, Nine Finger Saloon. Around 2015, Kris reduced his traveling to raise a family, give music lessons, and play locally. Alongside his musical talents, Kris is also an incredible Tie Dye artist, founding Brighter Days Dyes and creating the custom Pure Jerry shirts that come alive with color. 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, settling in Wyomissing Park, just west of Reading. Matt first started playing clarinet in elementary school but quickly transitioned to percussion while attending Sacred Heart Catholic School in West Reading. In seventh grade, he was recruited to help with 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, where he would go on to connect with various band members throughout his journey. 

As a teenager, Cullen performed in clubs and bars, continuing to play through college with both cover and original bands 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 maintained a busy schedule of live performances on weekends and during summer breaks. He played with the Reading-area GD tribute, Good Lovin' Jamband, where he first collaborated with Miguel in 2011. 

In addition to performing, Matt 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. Furthermore, he volunteers to assist with Production and Events for non-profit organizations like Berks Arts and Humane PA. After over forty years of performing live, Matt took a break but is now excited to be back on stage, stating, “I am truly honored and looking forward to the opportunity to 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. As one of the key band members, 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 possesses a wealth of skillsets in handling technical issues. His mixes of live performances are reminiscent of classic 80's GD shows, featuring all the signature Dan Healy style trimmings. 

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