The China Cats are the premier Grateful Dead tribute band in Santa Cruz and the San Francisco Bay Area. Formed in 2008 as the band "Dough Knees," by Scott, Roger, Steve, and original lead guitarist Theo Wilson, they regrouped in 2009 as the China Cats, brought Mike Owens on board as permanent drummer, and with Matt Hartle taking over the lead guitar chair in 2010, with the first appearance of the current lineup being on March 27, 2010 at the Catalyst in Santa Cruz. Since that time, the China Cats have played all over Northern California.