Funkiphino :: Member Bios

Chris Fischer – Keyboards/Vocals The co-founder and musical director of Funkiphino, Chris plays Hammond Organ and keyboards, sings backup and is the primary songwriter/arranger for the band. He received a degree in music from the University of Colorado in 1996.		Cameron Chinatti – Vocals Cameron is just “off the boat” where she sang lead in Royal Caribbean's Broadway shows. She also sang with the acclaimed jazz a capella group Groove Society. With her impeccable pitch, Cam throws down some mean harmonies on stage and in the studio.

Antoinette Jackson – Vocals		Andrew Lacy – Drums Andrew is a native Coloradan. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Northern Colorado where he studied classical percussion performance and jazz drum set. He's been on cruise ships and played in countless orchestras and jazz bands. He teaches privately, has a deep love for authentic Mexican cuisine and whitewater kayaking.

Jeremy Sandoval – Percussion Jeremy fills out the rhythm section and makes the band complete. His and Kevin's obsession with Latin rhythm shines through when they play together. If only we could fit him on every stage we play! We’ll have to work on that one…		Geno Finley – Guitar Geno is originally from California. While at Word Records he worked on the production team for George Huff's album, Miracles, which received a nod from The 2005 Gospel Music Awards. Geno's passion for music and funk are apparent in his tasty guitar playing.

Jessica “J-Fly” Fischer – Trumpet Jessica is our co-founder and longest running horn player. She directed the University of Colorado Marching Band for 4 years. Her energy on stage never goes unnoticed. She is also the band's graphic designer, creating almost every visual including our posters, emailers and CDs.		Jason U’ren – Trumpet Jason attended SW Wisconsin, Waldorf & Simpson, and the University of South Dakota for his Master's in Trumpet Performance. He works for DPS and drives more than most truckers. He is best known for his rapping capabilities and solid trumpet playing. In his free time he enjoys… scratch that… Jason has no free time.

Evan Weigel – Tenor Sax Evan is the youngest member of the horn section. Before becoming a member of Funkiphino, he studied at the University of Northern Colorado. Evan’s also been educated by countless groups from all over the world. His tasty licks are a welcome sound, and he has the personality to accompany them!		Allen "Burkzilla" Burki – Bass For the last 3 years Allen got down and dirty with Filthy Children. Born to a Swiss musical clan not unlike the Von Trapps, Allen also performs with his family's band Jazzoompah. Allen received his degree in music from the University of Denver.

Eric "The Viking" Bernhardt – Tenor Sax From burnin’ bebop to bustin’ rhymes to writin’ orchestral pieces, big band charts and scoring theater works, there's no question why we call him “E-Rock”. Eric is currently at the University of Denver working on a Master’s in jazz and commercial music, and has toured all over the West Coast with the ska-core group Los Mosquitones.		Mark Halberstadt –Bari Sax Mark is a recent graduate of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. He received his degree in Jazz and Commercial Music with an emphasis in technology. As a sound engineer, Mark has worked with Bobby McFerrin, Dave Brubeck, Dave Holland, Gary Bartz and the Cleveland Orchestra. He became a band member by just showing up to gigs.

Richard "Chops" Bates – Head Sound Engineer Chops has been performing all of the live sound duties for Funkiphino since the beginning. When not mixing the band, this real-life "rocket scientist" works for Lockheed Martin.	Road Crew Manager: Luke Gray Road Crew: Will Dowling, Robbie Sands Sound Engineers: Richard Bates, Jeremy Ruff, Luke Gray