The Sunstroke Serenaders are a band based out of Southern California inspired by the music of the counterculture movement of the 60's. While the band commonly plays Grateful Dead sets, they are also inspired by artists like Jerry Garcia Band, Bob Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers, Janis Joplin, Chuck Berry, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, & more.

The founder, Justin Toto, is a guitarist, bassist, singer, and songwriter from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After moving West, he formed the band in the small artist town of Laguna Beach, California. Through various lineups, the band soon gained recognition among deadheads, playing on shakedown street outside of Dead & Company shows. Justin is heavily influenced by 1960’s/70’s Americana, blues, psychedelic rock, & country. He released his first batch of singles in 2025.

Some highlighted performances of the band include Libbey Bowl with Grateful Shred, Lodge Room with Afro Dead, Coach House with Jerry’s Middle Finger, Day of Dead at The Ecology Center, & Laguna Beach Coast Film & Music Festival. The band has also been featured in Phish on Philm Magazine.