StealHead

Went fishing with Taj last year….he’d yell at me “Pat, keep the line tight! Keep the line tight, Pat!!!!”

Wow! What a great year of music it has been.

I started writing this last week, but couldn’t send it. Because what I wrote didn’t really capture what 2025 meant to me as a musician in the Bend community. I fully realize how truly fortunate I am to live within a community of such an open, caring, thoughtful, and talented group of musicians. And the idea that they would lend their talents to this project blows my mind. Bend is an awesome town full of awesome people. Let’s not ever forget that.

Case in point: the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving at Silver Moon, there was a perfect blend of great improvisational music, a warm and receptive audience, and holiday vibes that flowed through the crowd. We feel blessed to play music for our community and appreciate the warm support and solid dancing. Brother Gabe brought sweet vocals, signature licks and the heat while doing his “civic duty” aka Jerry Duty. The Soul Sistahs’s always up the vibe and bring the perfect blend of harmonies to complete the musical puzzle!

I want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate people who have worked with us this past year and supported us through the years…. I think Johnny Springer and I have been performing together for over 15 years. Johnny is my musical brother and always keeps the beat going. Patrick Ondrozeck is, well Paddy O….the man who absolutely destroys’ the keys and keeps it light during rehearsal with his ear for music and his light-hearted fun personality. And Kyle Swantek is Steady Eddie on the bass….Cool runs with a great attitude. I can always count on Kyle to give me a knowing smile during a jam that helps bring up the mood and free up the music.

I’d like to recognize all the people who played with us and supported us this year:

Soul Sistahs: Laura Frieberg & Jen Lande

Jerry Duty: Gabe Johnson, Connor Bennet, Travis Ehrnestorm, David Pettibone, Pete Kartsounes, Mark Ransom , Mike Bealeau, Jarrod Donatelli

Support: Good Vibes Studios (Sound and Rehearsal Studios), Milkman Amps, Miggie (Sound), Marianna (Sound)
Jeshua Marshall (Booking), Jon Theesen (Sound), Chip Fieberg (Sound), Chelsea Mayer (Merchandise Manager), Erica Swantek (photographer )

I’d like to thank my family for their support and encouragement in pursuing music over the years: Liza, Chelsea, and Peyton.

2026 is gonna be a great year for StealHead. Stay tuned!

My daughter, Chelsea, got Stealhead’s merch up and running this summer and we’ve still got plenty left … just in time for the holidays!
Sizes M, L, and XL. DM if you want to purchase — $30 + shipping, Venmo or PayPal

StealHead with the Soul Sistahs
Jerry Duty: Brother Gabe Johnson

Join us for a Homecoming & Thanksgiving Celebration,
honoring community, music, and one of the most gifted jam-band guitar players in Bend — Brother Gabe.

Expect the full JGB spirit: Motown, reggae, gospel, classic rock with deep grooves, soaring solos and a night of warm, grateful energy.

📅 Wednesday, November 26
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Silver Moon Brewing – Bend, OR
$15/$10 if you have a student ID

Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit.
This one’s going to be special.

Having FOMO tonight. Go to commonwealth tonight for Church of Neil. 4 stages, 10 bands all Neil. Bend Roots Revival

Church of Neil! What can I say? I’m so lucky to be part of the awesome music scene here in Bend, Oregon. Thank you Roger Worthington and Andy Fectau for putting on such a unique event! Johnny Springer Ky Leo Patrick Ondrozeck Eric Leadbetter Long May You Run!

Happy birthday to the master of the keys! Enjoy your day Paddy!

Our third performance at the Cascade Equinox Festival is highly anticipated. We're thrilled to share the stage with the soul sistahs. 7 PM Saturday night.

Wow—what a year it’s been already! 🎶 StealHead has kicked off 2025 with over 15 shows in all kinds of formations, from intimate sets to full-on throwdowns. Our Silver Moon residency has been packed with love and energy, and our annual Sunriver summer gig was an absolute blast under the stars. 🌙✨

But we’re just getting warmed up… 🔥
This fall is shaping up to be HUGE with upcoming sets at the Cascade Equinox Festival and the Bend Roots Festival. And keep your ears open—we’ve got something special brewing for October as we celebrate 15 years of StealHead. 🎉

Big music, big vibes, and even bigger things ahead—thanks for being part of the ride! ❤️

🔥 What. A. Night. 🔥
Huge thanks to everyone who came out to Silver Moon last night, what a turnout! So many dancers, familiar faces, and StealHead fam showing up and throwing down. You brought the love, the groove, and the good vibes.

Extra gratitude to Pete Kartsounes, who stepped in on Jerry Duty and absolutely CRUSHED it. From Sugaree to Eyes of the World, the man brought soul, fire, and that magic touch.

We're taking a little breather in August ....but don’t worry, we’ll be back in September to keep the JGB flame burning strong 🔥💀🎶

Set One:
• The Way You Do the Things You Do
• Gomorrah
• Simple Twist of Fate
• Get Outta My Life Woman
• Keepers
• Deal

Set Two:
• Midnight Moonlight
• Sisters and Brothers
• Sugaree
• Dear Prudence
• Don’t Let Go

Encore:
• Tangled Up in Blue
• I Shall Be Released

Bonus Jam:
• Stop That Train
• Eyes of the World

Just a reminder that our next performance is a week from Wednesday on July 30 6:30 at Silver Moon.

We are not performing tomorrow night July 23. 

StealHead’s JGB Silver Moon Residency – What a Ride!
Wow — we’re rolling into our 4th month at Silver Moon, and what an incredible journey it’s been so far! When I first floated the idea back in February — putting together a crew of talented Central Oregon musicians to celebrate the music of the Jerry Garcia Band, each month featuring a different guest musician — I wasn’t sure what to expect. It took a little leap of faith from everyone involved, but the result has been something truly special.

From night one, we’ve all come together to create an evening full of joy, groove, and musical exploration. And what we’ve discovered along the way is just how deep and diverse the JGB catalog is. Jerry drew from such a wide array of genres — from reggae to gospel, soul to rock — and every show feels like a fresh adventure.

A friend (not a Deadhead!) came to see us and was amazed we played Dear Prudence and The Harder They Come. It turns out the JGB songbook reaches far beyond the usual crowd — and speaks to something universal. Who knew?
We’ve been lucky to share the stage with some amazing guests:
Mark Ransom kicked things off with heart and soul, delivering moving renditions of Sisters and Brothers and I Shall Be Released that really set the tone.

Then Dave Pettibone brought his fearless energy, leading us through the beautifully complex Cats Down Under the Stars, with stellar solos and last-minute heroics by bassist Mike Bealeau, who stepped in for Kyle during a family loss.

And just last week, Travis Ehernstrom crushed it — his take on Señor and Mission in the Rain gave me chills.

Next up to answer the call of Jerry Duty…..Pete Kartsounes! Fresh from his killer performance and Munch and Music…This man can play and sing big time!!! July 30th at Silver Moon.

Thanks to everyone who’s come out to support us — dance, sing, and be part of this thing we’re building together. It means the world.

See you soon,
Pat