Cover or tribute bands occasionally get a bad rap as unoriginal or are relegated to die-hard fans hoping to see a replica of their favorite act. Walrus, which is a Beatles jam band, is a little different. 

Drawing on influences from the long tradition of jam bands, from the Grateful Dead to Phish, Walrus members Chris Mackin (guitar/vocals), Bradley Michalakis (bass/vocals), Satoko Mori (keyboard/vocals), Josh Santiago (guitar/vocals) and Dan Shein (drums) push the envelope of what fans have come to expect from the Fab Four’s vast catalog, with fresh arrangements and a knack for improvisation.

All have been musicians their whole lives, but Walrus’ deepest roots as a group are in Merrick, Long Island, where Mackin, Michalakis and Shein grew up. After meeting Santiago in college, the four became involved in each others’ music and theater projects — careers they all continue to pursue today. Michalakis and Mackin both work in theater production, Shein in the movie industry and Santiago teaches theater. Mori, who joined the group through their theater company’s pit band in 2017, is also a performing pianist and teacher.