Nice to return to the studio over the past year with my old Spanking Machine bandmate Stu Nelson – for yet another new, instrumental project, Clowder of Voidlings.. post-prog neo-classical fusion below..
Author Archives Greg Matses
Stacy Starkweather’s Green Mountain Social Club
Hugo's Bar & Grill, Montpelier VT
I’ll be joining Stacy Starkweather’s Green Mountain Social Club once again at Hugo’s Bar & Grill, 44 Main St. Montpelier, VT on Friday 9/11/26 ~ set times 7:30-9:30pm. The Green Mountain Social Club is an ever-changing group featuring different guest stars every show. I’ll be joining Stacy, Jeff Salisbury, and Ryan Masé for this one as we “pass the mic” to feature each person. Looking forward to playing with old friends and new.. and I get to play a little bass
Shed Band Reunion Party
Green Mountain Distillers, Morrisville VT
It’s been 7 years but .. The Shed Band will be reuniting at Green Mountain Distillers on Saturday 9/5/26 .. 171 Whiskey Run, Morrisville, VT .. spirits, food, and fun begin at noon – band sets from 4-7pm..
Greg Matses – guitar/vox
Stacy Starkweather – bass/vox
Gabe Jarrett – drums
Channel Two Dub Band
Foam Brewers, Burlington VT
C2DB keeps the dub rolling at this year’s Vermont Reggae Fest after-party at Foam Brewers, 112 Lake Street, Burlington, VT – Saturday 8/22/26 ~ 10pm – midnight.. Our debut performance was 40 years ago at the very first VT Reggae Fest at Battery Park in July of 1986. Last year, we were excited to be part of the reboot at Switchback Brewing.. looking forward to this one ~
QUENN-I – Bass and Vocals
c00p – Drums and Samples
FRANKO PAVLIK – Synth Guitar and Vocals
GREG MATSES – Lead Guitar and Vocals
ERIC SWANSON – Keyboards
ADAM FREHM – Slide Guitar
Stacy Starkweather’s Green Mountain Social Club
Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe, Burlington VT
I’ll be joining Stacy Starkweather’s Green Mountain Social Club for their debut performance at Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe, 16 Church Street Burlington, Vermont on Wednesday 7/29/26, as part of their Courtyard Music Series ~ set times 6:30-9:00pm. The Green Mountain Social Club is an ever-changing group featuring different guest stars every show. I’ll be joining Stacy, Bob Hill, and Sam Lyons for this one as we “pass the mic” to feature each person. Looking forward to playing with old friends and new.. and I get to play a little bass! This show will be a benefit for Noah Kahan’s The Busyhead Project.
Upcoming 2026 courses at CCV ~
My upcoming 2026 courses at the Community College of Vermont (CCV):
Summer 2026:
Intro to Rock & Roll: Online .. from 5/26 – 8/17/26;
Fall 2026:
Guitar 1: Online-Synchronous .. Tuesdays 3:00-5:00pm from 9/8 – 12/15/26;
Intro to Rock & Roll: Online .. from 9/8 – 12/21/26;
Each course is fun, informative, 3 credits, and open to all – info / registration at www.ccv.edu ..
Highland Jazz Cabaret
Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield VT
Looking forward to being part of the 2nd annual Highland Jazz Cabaret on Friday 3/6/26 7pm at The Big Picture Theater, 48 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT. The cabaret is a fundraiser for the Harwood Union private lesson program and will feature student and faculty performances. Sliding scale donations will be greatly appreciated in support of the fantastic music lesson program offered at the middle/high school..
Coda..
My 23-year run at VTSU/NVU/JSC has come to an end with this weekend’s final performance of the Funk Fusion Ensemble, as the performing arts have sunset at the Johnson campus. Many thanks to the incredible students, faculty, and staff that I crossed paths with along the way. A special shout out to Steve Blair for giving me the opportunity way back in 2002. It was a fun ride. On to new things.. aaaannd scene~
VTSU Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble
Johnson VT
It’s that time and the last time I’ll be directing the Vermont State University Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble – Friday 12/5/25 at 7pm, Dibden Center for the Arts, Vermont State University Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.vermontstate.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for VTSU students. Here’s our set:
Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel)
Hard Times (Paramore)
Die With A Smile (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
Believe (The Bravery)
Barracuda (Heart)
with: Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, bass), Jared Bryce (guitar, bass), Abi Cote (trumpet, vocals), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals, drums, guitar, alto sax), Jill Pressman (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Brian Bray (drums, bass) ..
Channel Two Dub Band
Einstein's Tap House, Burlington VT
C2DB follows up their appearance at this year’s Vermont Reggae Fest with a club date at Einstein’s Tap House at 165 Church St, Burlington, VT, formerly Club Toast, our old stompin’ ground in the mid-1990s. Saturday 11/29/25 ~ set times 10pm – midnight.. inna rub-a-dub stylee..
audio fylee..
QUENN-I – Bass and Vocals
c00p – Drums and Samples
FRANKO PAVLIK – Synth Guitar and Vocals
GREG MATSES – Lead Guitar and Vocal
ERO LIPPOLD – Keyboards
ADAM FREHM – Slide Guitar
Channel 2 Dub Band @ Vermont Reggae Fest
Switchback Brewing Co., Burlington VT
39 years after Battery Park ~ looking forward to gearing it up with the C2DB at Vermont Reggae Fest .. a tribute to our roots indeed! 8/23/25 at Switchback Brewing, 160 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT, 05401. We open the show at 2pm – more deets below..
here’s the set:
Event Details
The Return of the Vermont Reggae Festival – A Tribute to our Roots
VIP includes:
– Dedicated premium viewing area
– Private Bar
– Private Bathrooms
– VT Reggae Fest T-shirts
Rock and Roll Playhouse Performs Bob Marley (Ticket is not part of the main event) Ages 1+ (No ticket needed for adults with main event ticket). Doors 11:00am Show 12:00pm.
Get ready for a day filled with rhythm, roots, and positive vibrations as The Vermont Reggae Fest: A Tribute to Our Roots takes over Switchback Brewing Co. (160 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT) on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, presented by True 802 and ElmThree in association with The Reggae Takeover.
This one-day celebration of reggae music and culture features a powerhouse lineup of international icons and beloved local acts, all coming together in the heart of Burlington.
PERFORMANCES BY:
- Barrington Levy – Legendary voice of dancehall and reggae
- John Brown’s Body – American reggae pioneers
- Lambsbread – The New England based reggae band originating from Burlington in 1983
- The Skatalites – The original ska trailblazers
- Channel 2 Dub Band – Vermont’s homegrown dub ambassadors
- Rock and Roll Playhouse Performs Bob Marley – A special morning set for families with kids
SCHEDULE:
- Family Show: Rock and Roll Playhouse – Doors at 11:00 AM
- Please Note: This is a separate ticket.
- Main Event: Full lineup – Doors at 1:30 PM
This all-day, all-ages event will feature food trucks, artisan vendors, cold brews by Switchback Brewing Co., and a warm, welcoming outdoor environment that honors reggae’s rich legacy while building community. Whether you’re a longtime reggae fan or just discovering the sounds of Jamaica and beyond, The Vermont Reggae Fest is your summer destination for unity, celebration, and roots revival.
..and our early Marley set for the kids~
Quenn-I – Bass and Vocals
Franko Pavlik – Synth Guitar and Vocals
Greg Matses – Lead Guitar and Vocal
c00p – Drums and Samples
Ero Lippold – Keyboard and Vocal
Adam Frehm – Slide Guitar
Tom Baggott – Percussion
Channel Two Dub Band – 1st Vermont Reggae Fest (7/23/86)
Battery Park, Burlington VT
A pleasant surprise from the archives.. the first performance of the Channel Two Dub Band at the inaugural Vermont Reggae Festival at Burlington’s Battery Park back on 7/23/86. This find was a treat 39 years after the fact – I didn’t even know the event was filmed until now ~ The art stand in action!
Don Quenneville – vocals, bass
Franko Pavlik – guitar synthesizer, vocals
Stu Nelson – drums, vocals
Greg Matses – guitar, vocals, keyboards, art stand
Transferred from the original VHS tape.
VTSU Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble
Johnson VT
Funk Fusion Program (Spring 2025)
Once again.. I’ll be directing the Vermont State University Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 5/2/25 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Vermont State University Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.vermontstate.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for VTSU students. Here’s our set:
Sympathy for the Devil (Jagger-Richards)
Bennie And The Jets (Elton John-Bernie Taupin)
Please Forgive Me (MAN WITH A MISSION)
Back On 74 (Jungle)
The Show Must Go On (Queen)
Paint The Town Blue (Ashnikko, Arcane & League of Legends Music)
with: Elliot Urbina (drums, bass, trumpet), Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, bass, percussion), Taylor Michaud (keyboards, flute, vocals), Jared Bryce (guitar, bass), Abi Cote (trumpet), Heike Chaney (vocals, Maschine), James Kalbfleisch (Maschine, vocals, percussion, guitar), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals, drums, percussion, guitar), Sergey Vakhrouchev (tenor sax), Zib Miller (drums, percussion, vocals), Jill Pressman (vocals, percussion), Amelia Burger (vocals, percussion) ..
~ we look good .. but there is no sound ~
Fall 2025 courses at Vermont State University
Fall 2025 at Vermont State University :
I’m excited to be teaching (first time!) in the Music Business & Industry (MBI) Dept. on the Lyndon campus for the following courses:
Special Performance (MUS-1730-S01): Thursdays 3:30-6:15pm from 8/25 – 12/19/25 (1-3 credits);
Applied Lessons: Guitar (MBI-2125-S04): Thursdays (TBD) from 8/25 – 12/19/25 (1 credit);
.. and on the Johnson campus for:
Funk Fusion Ensemble (PAT Music Ensembles – MUS-2220-S02): Fridays 3:00-4:50pm from 8/25 – 12/19/25 (0-1 credits);
Guitar, Bass, and Songwriting Lessons (by appointment; credit and non-credit options available);
info / registration at www.vermontstate.edu ..
Highland Jazz Cabaret at Harwood Union Middle and High School
Moretown VT
I’m excited to be participating in the Highland Jazz Cabaret at Harwood Union Middle and High School on Friday 4/11/25 at 7pm. The cabaret is a fundraiser for the Harwood Union private lesson program and will feature student and faculty performances in the auditorium lobby. Sliding scale donations will be greatly appreciated in support of the fantastic music lesson program offered at the middle/high school..
VTSU Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble
Johnson VT
Funk Fusion Program (Fall 2024)
It’s that time! I’ll be directing the Vermont State University Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 12/6/24 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Vermont State University Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.vermontstate.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for VTSU students. Here’s our set:
Evil in your Eye (Church of the Cosmic Skull)
Pour Some Sugar on Me (Def Leppard)
Them Changes (Thundercat)
Got Me All Wrong (Mayday Parade)
Good Luck, Babe! (Chappell Roan)
with: Elliot Urbina (drums, bass), Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, bass), Taylor Michaud (keyboards, vocals, percussion), Abi Cote (trumpet), Heike Chaney (vocals), James Kalbfleisch (Maschine, vocals, bass), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals, drums, guitar), Sergey Vakhrouchev (tenor sax), Dayne Bell (violin, vocals), Jill Pressman (vocals, keyboards), Amelia Burger (vocals, percussion, keyboards) ..
.. in moving pictures ~
Solo set opening for Tony McManus
Colchester VT
I’ll be performing a solo set at Studio JuJu in Colchester VT on 8/17/24, opening for the great Celtic guitarist Tony McManus. Performance Artist/Musician/Improv Specialist Jonathan ‘Wyld Man’ Crocker is also on the bill. The show is a semi-private garden party that is sold out. I’ll be debuting my new solo setup which features acoustic and electric guitars, vocals, looping, and interactive rhythm parts.. eclectic originals and arrangements from rock’s classic era!
a Grateful clip from the set:
..and a few pics from Ken Mills’ gorgeous gardens (photos by Nicole Bachand):
Guitar 1 and Intro to Rock & Roll at CCV this fall ~
I’m back to teach the following courses at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) for the Fall 2024 semester as follows:
Guitar 1: Online-Synchronous – Tuesdays 3:00-5:00pm from 9/3 – 12/10/24;
Intro to Rock & Roll: Online .. from 9/3 – 12/16/24;
Each course is fun, informative, 3 credits, and open to all – info / registration at www.ccv.edu ..
VTSU Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble
Johnson VT
Excited to be directing the Vermont State University Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 5/10/24 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Vermont State University Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.vermontstate.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for VTSU students. Here’s our set:
Bang Bang (Sonny Bono)
Creep (Radiohead)
House of the Rising Sun (Traditional)
Mosquito Symphony #7 (Wilbur Hayes et al.)
Can’t Get You Out of My Head (Cathy Dennis & Rob Davis)
Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel)
with: Elliot Urbina (drums, bass), Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, percussion, bass), Taylor Michaud (flute, keyboards, vocals), Abi Cote (trumpet), Heike Chaney (vocals, keyboards), James Kalbfleisch (vocals, drums, guitar, percussion), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals, alto sax, drums), Sergey Vakhrouchev (tenor sax), Zib Miller (vocals, percussion) ..
livestreamed..
Interview in the Basement Medicine..
After 22 years, I was finally interviewed in the 3/28/24 edition of the Basement Medicine at VTSU Johnson..!
