Behind
the Music
Left of the Tapers
isn’t just a name,
it’s a place, a memory, and a tribute. Left of the tapers was our spot. At every show, in every city, we had a ritual: once inside, head toward the taper section and gather to the left. No texts, no calls, just a quiet understanding that we’d find each other there.
But it was more than just a meeting spot, it was where the music and the moment came together. It was where we reunited after the lot, shared stories, made set predictions, and soaked in the energy of the show.
The music was always the reason we came, but what happened left of the tapers is why we returned time and time again.
LEFT OF THE TAPERS is a brand
born from that space.
That spot’s tradition is rooted with a good friend, a brother in spirit, and a fellow traveler of the music. He was a kind soul with a laugh that cut through the crowd and a heart as big as the sky. Though he’s not with us anymore, that space, and what it means, lives on.
Born from the scene,
Made for the moment,
Built for the journey
The parking lot scene is a vital, living part of the jam band experience. More than just a place to park before a show, it’s a temporary village where music, creativity, and community thrive long before the first note.
It's in the lot where fans gather to sell art, trade goods, share food, and connect with strangers who feel like family. It’s a colorful world of tapestries, tie-dye, handmade jewelry, grilled cheese stands, and impromptu drum circles.
The lot is a place where judgement is left at the gate. The only requirement for entry is a love of the music and the community it builds. The lot is an experience unto itself. It embodies the spirit of freedom, improvisation, and collective energy that defines the jam band scene.
Inspired by the spirit of the jam culture, we set out to design performance driven apparel made for the elements and the energy.
Because we know concert days don’t always come with shade, and dancing through the night can leave you drenched. That's why our gear features UPF protection to keep you safe under the sun and moisture wicking fabrics to keep you dry when the music (or the weather) turns up the heat.
The music, the moment, and the people around you.
So whether you’re wandering the lot, waiting on a miracle, or grooving deep into a second set, Left of the Tapers keeps you comfortable, protected, and present, so you can focus on what really matters: the music, the moment, and the people around you.
Because this isn’t just clothing, it’s gear for the journey. It’s a tribute to a life, and a scene that keeps on dancing.
Made for the Moment
Our mission is to design apparel and accessories that make the concert and festival experience effortless: keeping the kindred spirits who gather safe in the elements, equipped for the adventure, and free to connect through the music and the moment.
The Path Forward
To carry the energy of the lot and the magic of the show into every moment; honoring the past, elevating the present, and outfitting the journey ahead.