Rae Doner, Lead Vocals
Rae might be petite, but there is nothing tiny about her voice or her personality. Once too shy to sing in front of people, she has thrown her inhibitions to the wind and now loves developing the energy of a room and watching people have a good time. When not doing something musical, Rae enjoys running, volleyball, calculating, eating (she’s Italian after all), gardening (so she can eat more), and playing Legos with her two young boys.
Andrew Wallace, Lead Vocals
Andrew's vocal background is in...well...background vocals. From the various choral ensembles that Andrew takes part in, including Anima Chamber Ensemble, NOCO Singers, and Laura's Little Choir, to professional pop acapella, Andrew has always hung low and steady on Bass 2. Singing tenor lead vocals in a funk band is a new and exciting adventure for Andrew, a transition which has come smoothly, helping Andrew to release all of his pent-up energy. Andrew graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and teaches choir and musical theatre at Liberty Common High School in Fort Collins with Mr. Dave Lunn. When not getting his groove on with Funky Business or offering solemn prayer in his church choir, Andrew can be found at a good breakfast joint with his laptop, running on a local trail, or hosting poker night at his house, enjoying his whiskey collection with his friends.
Natalie Hargrove, Keyboards & Vocals
Natalie has been playing the piano since starting lessons in first grade. After decades of considering the piano superior to any keyboard with a cord attached, she has come to terms with lugging around a keyboard as opposed to a grand piano and might even get gutsy enough to try some funky synthesizer sounds. She has a bachelors degree in English literature and Master of Arts degree in education, and she taught high school English before taking off with her husband to live in Bolivia for a year. She now spends her days professionally momming her two sons and teaching private piano lessons.
David Wiatrolik, Guitar
David Wiatrolik is a musician, composer and educator based in Fort Collins Colorado. After earning a Doctorate degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar from University of Southern California in 2017, he returned to the Front Range after three years living in Los Angeles. He currently performs with several groups in Northern Colorado, serves as an instructor at Front Range Community College in of Recording Arts program, instructor in music at the Music District, as well runs his own business specializing in music recording and production. David’s playing showcases a deep appreciation and study of American music, embraces risk taking improvisation and audience engagement.
Buck Knowlton, Bass
Buck has called Northern Colorado home for most all of his life. He discovered a deep love for music at a very young age, bought his first bass guitar right out of high school, and has never stopped playing! He has played and performed for countless audiences since the early 90’s, and loves to do so. Since that time, he has had the privilege of working with some of the finest musicians in the region. Buck has worked with a number of band-type projects and productions over the years, and has loved and enjoyed being an enthusiastic part of Funky Business since near their inception. During the week, when he isn’t thumping strings, Buck enjoys working as an accomplished painting contractor and has owned and operated his own business since the mid-late 90’s. Buck enjoys his family, his friends, and sci-fi movies.
Marc Kray, Drums
Marc has been playing drums & percussion since he was 10 years old. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Business Administration from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Though he has a background in orchestral and theatre percussion, he never misses an opportunity to wail on a drum set to some rock or funky grooves. When he’s not percussing, Marc likes to hike, travel, ski, create stained glass artwork, watch football, write music, co-operate his fine woodworking business Mountain Craftsmen, and correct peoples’ grammar.
Dave Lunn, Saxophone
Dave Lunn lives in Fort Collins, where he teaches high school and middle school instrumental music. He plays saxophone in several different bands in a variety of styles, from salsa to jazz to soul and more. He earned a Masters degree in Saxophone performance from Colorado State University and has played with the Temptations, the Four Tops, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and other local talent. When not playing music or hanging out with his three awesome kids, he is particularly fond of rock climbing and mountaineering in Colorado’s beautiful high places. He is also trying to get really good at playing the didgeridoo.
Eric Weedin, Trumpet
Eric has played trumpet since 5th grade at Mary Blair Elementary school. He has a music minor from Adams State University and has played for many years with local swing groups and concert bands. The squarest player in Funky Business makes up for it with a tolerable wit. He also produces 30% less spit through his horn than some players (completely true and not made up fact). His all time favorite player is Louis Armstrong. He's an active community member, Rotarian, and soccer player.
Brian Scott, Trumpet
Originally from Chicago, Brian holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he also served as lead trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Tom Streeter from the Airmen of Note. After college, he taught high school band, played pit in musicals, went into IT, played more musicals, and even spent some time acting on stage. Family brought him to Colorado, where he plays in Foothills Symphonic Band, Colorado Swing, and now Funky Business. When not playing the high notes, Brian is a Security Systems Administrator for a company you’ve heard of. He’d tell you what it is, but then he’d have to kill you.
Wade Judy, Trombone
Wade is a trombonist and educator based in Northern Colorado. A native of Miami, Florida, he attended the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and earned his Bachelors Degree in Trombone Performance. Following his time at the Frost School of Music, Wade moved to State College, Pennsylvania where he completed two Performance Certificates in classical and jazz trombone performance, followed by a Masters degree in trombone performance at Penn State University. He now lives in Greeley, Colorado and is working toward completion of his Doctor of Arts degree at the University of Northern Colorado. Wade loves playing and performing all styles of music including a specific passion for the music of Cuba, influenced by many trips to the island nation to teach, collaborate, and perform with Cuban musicians. When not playing trombone, Wade loves to cook, bake, and be a coffee enthusiast.