Press Kit · Bay Area, CA
Jay Wilcox
Guitarist & Vocalist · Improvisational Psychedelic Rock & Americana
"Channeling the spirit of Jerry while putting his own stamp on the sound." — Marin Arts, 2024
Live at the venue
Let It Grow
Lovin' Dead · Sweetwater Music Hall
Rigor Mortis
42 Degrees · The Phoenix
Volcano
Acoustic Duo · Hop Monk Tavern
What people say
"
Jay Wilcox has that X-factor; channeling the spirit of Jerry while putting his own stamp on the sound.
Marin Arts · 2024
"
Soulful with heartfelt attention to the songs. He carries a deep appreciation for all eras of the Dead.
Sweetwater Music Hall
Active projects
Lovin' Dead
Guitar · Vocals
Deep dives into the Grateful Dead catalog with full improvisational freedom.
Wicked Messengers
Guitar · Vocals
Celebrating the music of Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and Neil Young.
42 Degrees
Guitar
Celebrating the music of Zero and beyond.
Woodrat
Guitar · Vocals
Roots Americana with a distinctly Northern California sensibility.
Solo Acoustic
Guitar · Vocals
Intimate solo sets blending Jerry Garcia, Bluegrass, and Americana.
Session & Studio
Guitar
Available for session work, studio recordings, and collaborations.
Jay Wilcox is a Bay Area–based professional live performer specializing in guitar and vocals. Drawing inspiration from the Jerry Garcia Band, Grateful Dead, Zero, and Bob Dylan, Jay focuses on authentic, improvisation-driven music that connects with audiences on a deep and soulful level.
+ Full bio
A dedicated performer, Jay maintains a busy schedule across venues and festivals throughout Northern California. Known for his honest and heartfelt approach, he brings energy, feeling, and genuine connection to every stage he steps onto.
Jay performs with multiple projects — Lovin' Dead, Wicked Messengers, 42 Degrees, and Woodrat — as well as captivating solo acoustic sets that showcase the depth and versatility of his musicianship.
His music lives in the space between songs — in the moments of improvisation and exploration that give live performance its unique power. Rooted in the Grateful Dead tradition but entirely his own, his playing captures the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene at its most authentic and adventurous.
Available for
- Venue and club performances
- Private events
- Festivals
- Session and studio work
- Music instruction (limited)
Stage setup
- Solo guitar + vocals
- Duo configuration
- Trio
- Full band
- Flexible to venue requirements
Book Jay Wilcox
Venues · Festivals · Private Events · Studio · NorCal & beyond