Joni Bottari- Lead Guitar

Read: Dennis McNally's Interview with Joni Bottari

Skull & Roses Wall of News, 11/21

Joni Bottari grew up on the Jersey Shore, and picked up the guitar at an early age while tagging along with her brother to his band rehearsals. Her earliest influences were The Band, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. In 1970,  her brother brought home American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead and that was it, a 10 year old Deadhead was born.

Upon moving to NYC in 1983, she answered an ad in the Village Voice, and auditioned for lead guitar for an all-female punk band called Spellbound.  Joni performed in iconic venues in NYC, including CBGB's and The Bitter End.  In 2007 Joni relocated to florida and cofounded several Grateful dead tribute bands including Unlimited Devotion, Girl Jerry, and Spiral Light. While Joni's most significant influence is Jerry Garcia, like Garcia, she enjoys playing all genres of music including blues, country and rock. In 2018, Joni's guitar playing attracted the attention of Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, Dion Dimucci. Dion requested that Joni accompany him on guitar and the duo played an invitation only gig in Palm Beach, Florida.

And now the journey continues. Joni is excited to share the stage with these super talented female musicians and perform in Brown Eyed Women for deadheads everywhere. All the years combined, they melt into a dream......