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Rainin' Moonshine
A Unique Blend of Jam Band and Americana

Five dedicated music connoisseurs create a fun brand of Grateful Dead, classic rock, and yes, a little country music which is sure to get the crowd on its feet and draw the attention of music lovers. From varying backgrounds and parts of the country. The Rainin’ Moonshine band drive to play some Good Ol’ Grateful Dead songs that are true to the song with a little independent flare that showcases the unique talents of the band. The band’s other influences include (Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, and Tom Petty), blues (BB King, Freddie King, and Eric Clapton), jam band (Allman Brothers, the Band) to Country -- not the sappy stuff -- (Uncle Tupelo, Willie Nelson, and yes again, the Grateful Dead and Eric Clapton) Rainin’ Moonshine presents a unique blend that can get the crowd dancing. All members having been in active bands from across the country and also here in Las Vegas, Rainin’ Moonshine knows what it takes to have a good time. We pride ourselves on being a professional full tilt boogie band. If you don’t have a house sound system, we’ll furnish. We also have a good handle on volumes so as to fit just right and not overpower. We realize that the audience enjoys talking with their friends as much as they like the music. We are a dedicated group and very dependable. We are all daytime professionals and appreciate the needs and concerns of venue owners. One doesn’t have to worry about us fulfilling a promised date. For member and booking information please see our contact information below. We’ll do a solid job musically, and we will all have a lot of fun.

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Book Now:
Michael Schneider: Michael@kermittwaters.com
(702) 596-5145
Roger Rennels: Roger.Rennels@csn.edu
(702) 351-1085

Meet The Band

Bios

Michael

Born and raised in North Carolina. I grew up on Motown, bluegrass, and my parents 70’s soft rock collection. In High School I got adopted by the Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers and have not looked back. Realizing this music did not come out of thin air, in college (while I was supposed to be studying) I discovered Chicago blues which naturally lead me to London in the 1960’s. From there, I became a fan of the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. At the same time, I recognized my roots from North Carolina and began to play and appreciate bluegrass. And, that was my first band, a part time bluegrass outfit (the Free-Range Chickens) that would play on any street corner when the opportunity presented itself. Upon graduating college and going to law school in Montana, I discovered country music and picked up a telecaster. Playing in a honky tonk blues band (The North Country Blues Band) through law school I learned what it takes to grab a crowd and play likeable music. In 2003, I moved to Las Vegas and quickly joined a classic rock/country band (The Moronix) that played all over town. From big to small, we played the Las Vegas circuit. That ride came to an end in 2007. I have honchoed several bands since and Rainin’ Moonshine has really captured my musical interest and is just a great bunch of guys.

Roger

I was born in California and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I began playing guitar in the 70’s at the age of twelve with early influences from Folk Music and what has now become Classic Rock. In the 80’s I stumbled upon the Grateful Dead at their 1981-2, New Year’s Eve Show and became an instant Dead Head. During high school and college, I played in a band called “Yours Truly” until moving to Southern California for graduate school. Through Jerry Garcia, I became enthralled with handmade, acoustic, old-timey music. After earning a PhD in organic chemistry, my career took me from Boston MA, to Ithaca NY, to Austin TX, back to California before settling in Las Vegas in 2003, where I am now a college professor. 

While in Las Vegas, I began playing with members of the Southern Nevada Bluegrass Music Society and formed and acoustic band called “The Dusty Tones” moving to an outfit called The Bounty Hunters in 2014 and then on to Rainin’ Moonshine in 2019 and jamming ever since."

Dan

I grew up in Vermont and New Hampshire. After studying music in college, I played bass on a cruise
ship, a national theater tour, a 5 year stint touring with Ringling Bros. circus, and a month in China with the group
Squonk Opera among other things. I joined Rainin’ Moonshine shortly after moving to Vegas and have enjoyed the
experimental spirit, song evolution, and enthusiasm for all types of music.

Jason

My father has been playing music professionally since he was 14years old in venues across southern Utah. As a kid I went to his shows and took my first and only drum lesson when I was 19 so I could join his band. My dad’s favorite joke is that we played both types of music, both country and western. As the drummer for the official band for the Huntsman Senior Games we would often play 10 live shows in 2 weeks and then another 15-20 live shows throughout the year for other venues. During most of my music career I was fortunate enough to perform with my Father and Grandfather who loved Waylon and Johnny.
I have been a Grateful Dead fan since I was introduced in my early 20’s and joining the Rainin’ Moonshine Band has been a dream come true. We play a wide variety of music and the other members of the band continually make me a better musician and strive to provide great entertainment to our fans.
I am a Dentist in Las Vegas, love to spend time with my wife of 27 years and hang out with our adult children.

Richard

Originally from Cincinnati Ohio, Richard has called Las Vegas home for over 40 years. He enjoys all kinds of music and likes to play multiple instruments and in many projects. The music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead are at the core of everything he plays. Always seeking opportunities to make music with like-minded individuals, the Rainin’ Moonshine band has quickly become one of his favorites to jam with. Richard has played in a variety of local clubs and festival stages in both original projects and cover bands. He has played Jam in the Van with comedian Pauly Shore, the Sawtooth Family Gathering with the bluegrass band Pitchfork and the Skull and Roses Festival in 2017 with local favorites Catfish John.

Music Samples

Live Music for Private Events

Upcoming Shows

Shakedown Vegas Main Stage
Shakedown Vegas Main Stage
Mar 20, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Las Vegas,
255 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169, USA
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