Meet The Band

 On lead vocals and guitar is Joe Clayton. Growing up in Pennington, NJ in the ‘70s and 80’s, Joe Clayton was exposed to a variety of musical styles and genres thanks to his parents’ impressive collection of vinyl records. An early interest in American Blues, Jazz and Folk as well as British-Invasion rock and pop led Joe to discover the Grateful Dead in 1984, the same year he joined his first rock-n-roll band as a guitarist at age 14. He cites his 40-year relationship with the music of the Grateful Dead, especially Garcia, as his strongest and most enduring musical influence. Over the past 35 years, Joe has been a member of such Virginia-based bands as Mr. Flood’s Party, Loveville, Liquid, and Joe’s Day Off prior to joining his current bandmates on electric guitar in 2023. Joe also sits in occasionally with his friends in Dead Rise, playing acoustic guitar and mandolin, and the Bill Miles Band playing bass guitar when the opportunity arises. Joe considers the camaraderie and musical chemistry he found in Cats on the Blacktop to be as fun and engaging as any he has had in 40 years of playing music and finds great joy in sharing that experience with the audience!

On lead vocals and guitar is Chris Howard. Raised on the Virginia Peninsula, Chris has witnessed and participated in the ebbs and flows of the regional music scene since the early 1990s. At that time while a member of the Hallelujah Hatrack “bulldozer,” he opened for acts like DC’s New Potato Caboose and the reformed Jefferson Starship, and more recently has played with Dead Rise interpreting the acoustic catalog of the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead. Jamming socially with members of Rare Daze, Jesse Chong Band, Last Fair Deal, and Everything, as well as touring musicians fluent in all musical genres has always been a thrill as well as an education. Cats On The Blacktop allows the opportunity to play and interpret the songs of Jerry Garcia’ s solo work outside of the Grateful Dead and offers the chance to bring his favorite musical influence to the fore and play for those dedicated fans who are looking for those special Jerry jams. 

Kevin Payne, hailing from Newport News, VA, is the bassist for Cats On The Blacktop. His existence might owe itself to the Grateful Dead, as his musician parents met at one of their concerts. The significant show took place on April 15, 1978, at William and Mary Hall. During his middle school years, Kevin played the alto saxophone and also self-taught guitar. His rhythmic prowess was developed playing tenor and snare in a drum corps. Eventually, he followed in his father's footsteps, making the bass his primary instrument. Kevin's musical journey includes stints with the Billy Joe Trio, The Nadia Koz Experiment, Grateful Dawgz and Rider and he has guest-performed with many other acts. Presently, he also plays bass for Dead Rise. His devotion to the Grateful Dead is deep-seated, evidenced by a "Jerry shrine" at his home, which is off-limits to others. Kevin dedicates himself to refining his musical abilities daily. Outside of music, he cherishes time with his wife Elizabeth, their three children, Jayden, Ethan, and Kayla, and his beautiful granddaughter, Everleigh.

 On drums and percussion is Thomas Hoff. Thomas, a Newport News, VA native, has been immersed in percussion since middle school and eventually pursued a music major. His musical journey includes dabbling with the piano, given its similarity to the xylophone keys, an instrument he's also skilled in. His performances might be familiar if you've followed artists like Nick Weber, Rider, Billy Joe Daniels, Patrick Ryan, The Nadia Koz Experiment, and Barricade. For Thomas, music isn't just a hobby; it's a passion. He finds joy in both playing and listening to diverse music genres, but it's with Cats On The Blacktop that he's found his niche. Each show is an event he eagerly anticipates and meticulously prepares for weeks in advance. Away from the rhythms and melodies, Thomas cherishes moments with his beloved wife Beckie, their children, and the joy of grandchildren.