Funkiphino :: Member Bios

		Chris Fischer – Keyboards/Vocals Chris is the co-founder and musical director of Funkiphino. Chris plays Hammond Organ, keyboards, sings backup and is the primary songwriter/arranger for the band. In addition to co-producing two full full length CD's for Funkiphino he has worked with members of the band Chicago and Tower of Power. He received a degree in music from the University of Colorado in 1996. Chris and Mark are at the forefront of technology with the implementation of Funkiphino's new state-of-the-art wireless sound system.				Antoinette "AJ" Jackson – Vocals Antoinette relocated to Denver from LA where she performed professionally as a gospel singer and was Creative Arts Director - producing gospel productions. She has also written and produced several contemporary Christian songs. Before she embarked on her musical career, she was a member of the US Air Force. Her impressive "Chaka Khan style" power vocals, stage presence and electric smile are a powerful addition to the band.

		Brittany Loan – Lead Vocals Brittany began her stage career at a young age performing as a singer and dancer at both Garlutzo Performing Arts Studio and Denver Christian High School. As a professional vocalist, she has been featured at the Miss Colorado pageant as well as both Mrs. Colorado and Mrs. Wyoming pageants and as anthem vocalist at Colorado Rockies baseball games. Brittany is currently a student, studying psychology and sociology. Her charisma, soul and stage presence are welcome combination for Funkiphino.				Valerie Rick – Lead Vocals Valerie began singing professionally at the early age of 12. She studied classical vocal performance in high school in Wisconsin and then musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. She later went on to perform in radio commercials, numerous cover and original bands in NYC and Las Vegas including the female trio, Crimson Phoenix. She wrote, recorded and produced her own pop/rock CD in 2002. Val's vocal skill is complimented by her outstanding musicianship and work ethic.

		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 performed professionally on major cruise ships and played in countless orchestras and jazz bands. He teaches privately and 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 obsession with Latin percussion shines through in his tastefully executed rhythms. Jeremy graduated with his doctorate in music from the University of Northern Colorado. While in school, Jeremy played with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps and numerous ensembles. He has taught in public schools and privately for the last 10 years.

		Rob Caviness – Guitar Rob has been teaching and playing professionally since he was serving as a machine-gunner in the Marine Corps stationed in Hawaii. Rob teaches privately and has been instrumental in creating music programs in charter schools and parks departments in the Denver Metro area. Rob's determination, enthusiasm and work ethic are infectious.				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 and played in numerous ensembles. Her energy on stage never goes unnoticed. She is also the band's graphic designer, creating almost every visual including posters, emailers, photos, print-ads 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 as a music teacher for DPS. He is best known for his rapping capabilities and solid lead trumpet playing. Within the band his leadership and dedication are legendary. In his free time he enjoys… scratch that… Jason has no free time.				Evan Weigel – Tenor Sax Evan is the intelligent, "voice of reason". Before becoming a member of Funkiphino, he studied at the University of Northern Colorado. Evan also been educated by countless groups from all over the world. With youth still on his side, he plays like a well seasoned veteran. His tasty licks are a welcome sound, and he has the personality to accompany them!

		Michael "McLovin" McDaniel – Bass Michael seasoned his skills playing with various ensembles in the Denver area over the past fifteen years. After receiving his degree in Music Performance from Metropolitan State College of Denver, he was recruited to play for Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruise Lines where he played in jazz, pop and show bands. Michael was hand picked for Funkiphino based on his skill set as well as his ability to be completely dedicated to the project.				Eric "The Viking" Bernhardt – Tenor Sax & Vocals From burnin’ bebop to bustin’ rhymes and writin’ orchestral pieces, big band charts and scoring theater works, there's no question why we call him “E-Rock”. Eric received his Master's degree in jazz and commercial music from the University of Denver. He toured the West Coast with the ska-core group Los Mosquitones and has earned honors for his impressive composition skills. We're happy to have him as in integral part of the band.

		Mark "Huggie Bear" Halberstadt – Bari Sax & Sound Engineering 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. He continues to "show-up" at every show - completing the horn section with his impeccable skill. Mark has been the driving force in the implementation and application of our state-of the art wireless sound system.				Richard "Chops" Bates – Head Sound EngineerChops has been performing live sound duties for Funkiphino since the beginning. When not mixing the band, this real-life "rocket scientist" works for Lockheed Martin. In 1977, he worked with Don Lewis and designed and built the synthesizer that was the inspiration for Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), now on display at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA. Richard is on a brief hiatus from the group while recovering from a stroke in November - he is, however, always a member.

		Luke Gray – Sound Engineer & Road Crew Manager Luke began with the band as a member of the road crew. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2007 with a Bachelor degree in Music Business with emphasis in audio recording and arranging. Luke's main instrument is piano which also provides him with a discerning ear. Luke performs sound duties as well as being the road crew manager.				Road Crew: Gregg Friedman, Will Dowling