Funkyard Brass Band

Michael grew up in Florida, which... might explain a few things. Since graduating from Florida State University with a BA in Music, he has played trombone with groups across the country. However, his enthusiasm for playing loud really spiked during his time in Boston, joining groups like Brassterisk and School of HONK. Since moving to Rochester in 2022, Michael has continued his musical journey as a founding member of the Funkyard Brass Band and as a mentor in the All In Brass Band. He enjoys romantic dinners by candlelight and long walks on the beach.

Joe wanted to play drums ever since seeing a Van Halen concert video with a huge drum set with four bass drums, a flaming gong, etc. After first hearing Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews band, he wanted to become a funky drummer. And he’s wanted to be in a brass band like this ever since his first trip to New Orleans. Over the last 15 years he’s been in or subbed for several local bands of varying styles (soul/funk, rock, disco, Flogging Molly tribute, Led Zeppelin tribute, etc). He also has served as a drum mentor in the All In Brass Band, a community brass band for teens, with adult mentors. For about 25 years he was self taught, but benefited considerably from lessons with some excellent local drummers, most notably David Cohen. He has two kids who are very involved in music and is a Professor at SUNY Brockport, where he teaches interpersonal and professional communication skills. He used to enjoy long walks on the beach until he kept running into Michael there – he now avoids them.

Derrick was a founding member of the Seabreeze Dixieland Band, The Webster Marching Band, The All In Brass Band, the Brighton Community Band, and Funkyard Brass Band. He studied jazz tuba and trombone under Fred Weingarten and Paul Maginn. His brass artist influences also include Glen Call, Jeremy Stoner, and Chadd Merrigan. Derrick raised a Trumpet/Baritone/Percussion player, a Baritone/Trombone/Bass player, and a Clarinet/Bassoon/Guitar player, who have all performed with him in one or more of the above bands. Derrick is grateful to honk with the amazing musicians in Funkyard.  He also contributes as an unofficial videographer and recording engineer for both Funkyard and the Brighton Community Band.

Like most young girls, Erica was inspired by Lisa SImpson in the 3rd grade. Having played the sax all through school and into college, her inspirations grew to include Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Sonny Sitt, and Kenny Garrett to name a few. After a brief 11 year hiatus during grad school and early adulthood, she picked the sax back up at the age of 32. After finding a home in the Brooklyn brass band scene with the L Train Brass Band and Brass Queens, she has taken her tenor all over the east coast.

She eventually found herself back home in Western New York, where she linked up with the Funkyard Brass Band in 2023. She has brought some new tunes to the table, with styles ranging from jazz classics to disco to latin. Her energy, experience, and flair adds a strong voice to the group, and we can't wait to hear what comes next. 

Evan De Smitt plays alto saxophone in the band and has been playing saxophone for over 20 years in various groups. Evan is in the Fairport Fire Department Marching Band, Victor Pops Community Band, Irondequoit Concert Band, and Honeoye Falls Community Concert Band.  Evan also plays the saxophone for weddings and is a wedding DJ.  When he is not playing the saxophone, he enjoys calling contra dances and playing pickleball.

Blake Mott brings support to the low brass, with big glissandos on trombone and blasting pedal tones on Sousaphone! Growing up in Rochester NY, he has performed in many ensembles including the Hilton Jazz/Wind Ensembles and Marching Band/Drumline, All-County Band, the All In Brass Band. Additionally, he has worked as a pit musician for multiple musical performances in Hilton/Greece NY.  Blake currently attends RIT to pursue a Master's in Electrical Engineering, and participates in the school's premiere Jazz Ensemble.

Jon brings his trumpet, arrangements, and original compositions to jazz bands, wind ensembles, and orchestras. A SUNY Oswego Jazz performance graduate, Jon's spent over three decades performing in groups across Western and Central New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. His groups have included Prime Time Brass, Solid State, Freefall Orchestra, Irondequoit Concert Band, The F***ing Buckaroos, and Little Thin Dimes. He credits mentors Stan Gosek, Mike Kaupa, Redd Swindells, and Lee Turner for helping shape his musical voice.