Johnson VT | Greg Matses

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 ..

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 ~

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..

VTSU Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

Excited to be directing the Vermont State University Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 12/8/23 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:

The Mist on the Mountain (Traditional)
Cosmic Love (Florence + the Machine)
Fame (David Bowie, Carlos Alomar, John Lennon)
The Chain (Fleetwood Mac)
Nights on Broadway (Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb)
Riots (Stuck in the Sound)

with: Elliot Urbina (bass, drums), Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, percussion, bass), Taylor Michaud (vocals, flute, drums, keyboards), Arlie White (violin, vocals), Heike Chaney (vocals), James Kalbfleisch (vocals, drums, bass, percussion), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals, drums), Sergey Vakhrouchev (tenor sax) ..

** video kicks in at ~ 2 minutes ..

NVU-Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

Excited to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 4/28/23 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students. And, we’re happy to be having B.O.K. featuring Brittney Malik and Kolin Shaw open the show~! Here’s our set:

Crazy (Scary Pockets – Danger Mouse, Cee Lo Green)
In the Middle (dodie)
Fever (Elvis Presley – Peggy Lee, Eddie Coolie, John Davenport)
Locked Out of Heaven (Bruno Mars)
Bang Bang (Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj)

with: Amelia Burger (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Wilbur Hayes (vocals, keyboards, percussion), Taylor Michaud (vocals, flute, drums), Matthew Parker (vocals, keyboards), Korrina Cummings (flute), James Kalbfleisch (vocals, percussion), Sparrow MacDonald (vocals), Kolin Shaw (alto & tenor sax, vocals, guitar), Brittney Malik (trumpet, vocals, drums), Patricia Rivera (vocals, percussion) ..

live stream .. (B.O.K. @ 5:30; Funk Fusion @ 28:25)

NVU-Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

Excited to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble on Friday 12/9/22 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson. Open to all. Info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students. Here’s our set:

777 (Silk Sonic)
Rapture (Blondie – Chris Stein & Debbie Harry)
Mango (Kamauu)
Is This Love (Bob Marley)
Sweet Dreams / Seven Nation Army mashup (Pomplamoose – Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Jack White)

with: Zoe Avent (vocals), Wilbur Hayes (vocals), Spencer Perry (drums), Matthew Parker (vocals, keyboards), Sergey Vakhrouchev (tenor sax), Ethan Kile (guitar), Arlie White (violin, vocals), Katelyn Shaw (alto & tenor sax, vocals, guitar, melodica), Brittney Malik (trumpet, vocals, keyboards), Makayla Jones (alto & bari sax, vocals) ..

live streamed (and a bit distorted)..

Fall 2022 courses at Northern Vermont University

Looking forward to the Fall 2022 semester at Northern Vermont University (NVU)-Johnson. I’m on tap for Social History of Rock & Roll, the Funk Fusion Ensemble, and Guitar Lessons .. info / registration at www.northernvermont.edu ..

NVU-Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

Looking forward to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble for the Jazz/Contemporary concert on Wednesday 5/4/22 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson .. Open to all.. info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students .. here’s our set:

Devil Was an Angel (The Main Squeeze)
Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder)
I’m a Good Woman (Barbara Lynn Ozen)
Nine in the Afternoon (Panic at the Disco)
Fly As Me (Silk Sonic)

with: Makenzi Edwards (vocals, keyboards), Austin White (vocals, keyboards), Jay Stanton (drums), Matthew Parker (vocals), Taylor Michaud (flute, vocals), Timothy Pinckney (bass, cello, vocals), Addie White (violin), Katelyn Shaw (alto & tenor sax, vocals), Randall Ingalls (trumpet), Makayla Jones (alto & bari sax) ..

captured on film..!

NVU-Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

We’re back! After a two-year Corona-break (the virus, not the beer), I’m excited to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk Fusion Ensemble for the Jazz/Contemporary concert on Wednesday 12/8/21 at 8pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson .. Open to all.. info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students .. here’s our set:

I Don’t Wanna Go to Bed (Simple Plan)
If I We’re You (Nothing But Thieves)
River (Bishop Briggs)
Electric Feel (MGMT – Andrew VanWyngarden/Ben Goldwasser)
You Haven’t Done Nothin’ (Stevie Wonder)

with: Makenzi Edwards (vocals), Austin White (vocals, keyboards), Elijah Berry (drums, percussion), Garrett Stanley (vocals, drums, percussion), Taylor Michaud (flute), Timothy Pinckney (bass, vocals), Luke Melamede (tenor sax, keyboards), Katelyn Shaw (tenor sax, vocals, guitar), Makayla Jones (bari & alto sax) ..

and in color..

All-Star JAMboree II – Steep (3/13/14)

Dibden Center For the Arts, Johnson VT

from the second All-Star Jamboree at Dibden Center for the Arts, Johnson (VT) State College on 3/13/14 ~ a wicked Nor’easter, a shuttered campus, and stranded cars & gear couldn’t keep us down..!

Ray Paczkowski (keys) … Jon Fishman (drums)
Gabe Jarrett (drums) … Rob Morse (bass) … Greg Matses (guitar)

“Steep” by Greg Matses

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol III)

The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol III) in what hopes to be a final musical response to the 2020-2021 global pandemic. Socially distant, remotely conceived.. Check the sidebar player for a listen ..

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble – the Corona Tapes (Vol III)

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The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol III) in what hopes to be a final musical response to the 2020-2021 global pandemic. Socially distant, remotely conceived..

directed by Greg Matses with:
Elijah Berry (drum programming)
Gabriella Colby-George (lead vocal on “Sour Candy”)
Makayla Jones (alto & baritone sax)
Rebecca Flieder (lead vocals on “Disappear”)
Nicholas Sharratt (electric guitar)
Greg Matses (bass, keyboards, electric guitar, production / mixing)

a Quarantine production ..

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol II)

The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol II) – an ongoing musical response to the 2020 global pandemic. Socially distant, remotely conceived.. Check the sidebar player for a listen ..

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble – the Corona Tapes (Vol II)

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Tracks

The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes (Vol II) – an ongoing musical response to the 2020 global pandemic. Socially distant, remotely conceived..

directed by Greg Matses with:
Jessica Beliveau (piano)
Elijah Berry (drum programming)
Rebecca Flieder (lead and backing vocals)
Nicholas Sharratt (electric guitar, lead guitar “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”)
Greg Matses (bass, electric guitar, lead guitar / synth / backing vocal on “Happy Man”, production / mixing)

a Quarantine production ..

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes

The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes – a musical response to the 2020 global pandemic. Using only the devices at our immediate disposal, we crafted a socially distant recording meant to bring us together.. Check the sidebar player for a listen ..

NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble – the Corona Tapes

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Tracks

The NVU Funk Fusion Ensemble presents the Corona Tapes – a musical response to the 2020 global pandemic. Using only the devices at our immediate disposal, we crafted a socially distant recording meant to bring us together..

directed by Greg Matses with:
Harrison Abramsohn (alto sax)
Angelina Beckett (vocals, lead vocal on “Rehab”)
Elijah Berry (drum programming)
Amanda Rosalbo (vocals)
Rebecca Flieder (vocals, lead vocal on “I’m Not Your Regular Woman”)
Janea Hudson (keyboards, lead vocal on “I Got You / I Feel Good”)
Nicholas Sharratt (acoustic guitar)
Makayla Jones (baritone sax)
Gabriella Colby-George (lead vocal on “Crazy”)
Greg Matses (bass, electric guitar, keyboard on “I Got You / I Feel Good”, production / mixing)

a Quarantine production ..

NVU-Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

I’m excited to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble for the Jazz/Contemporary concert on Wednesday 12/4/19 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson .. Open to all.. info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students .. here’s our set:

Knock On Wood (Seal – Eddie Floyd/Steve Cropper)
Location (Khalid)
Short Skirt/Long Jacket (Cake – John McCrea)
Long Distance Runaround (Yes – Jon Anderson)
Lady Marmalade (Labelle – Bob Crewe/Kenny Nolan)

with: Harrison Abramsohn (alto sax, keyboards), Angelina Beckett (vocals, percussion), Anna Sargent (vocals), Elijah Berry (drums), James Douglas (drums, percussion), Rebecca Flieder (vocals), Janea Hudson (keyboards, vocals), Nicholas Sharratt (guitar), Katelyn Shaw (tenor sax, vocals), Gabriella Colby-George (vocals), Katelynn Snow (alto sax), and special guest bassist Chris Doncaster ..

NVU-Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

I’m excited to be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble for the Jazz/Contemporary concert on Wednesday 5/1/19 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson .. Open to all.. info at www.northernvermont.edu .. this is a Creative Audience event for NVU students .. here’s our set:

Jolene (Scary Pockets – Dolly Parton)
Nowhere to Run (Martha and the Vandellas – Holland/Dozier/Holland)
Stronger Than Me (Amy Winehouse – Salaam Remi)
Cissy Strut (The Meters)
Mama Knows (Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds)
Use Me (Bill Withers)

with: Harrison Abramsohn (alto sax), Angelina Beckett (vocals), Anna Sargent (vocals), Elijah Berry (drums), Julia Simons (vibes, tenor sax, vocals), Timothy Pinckney (bass, vocals), Rebecca Flieder (vocals), Janea Hudson (keyboards, vocals), Nicholas Sharratt (guitar), Katelyn Shaw (tenor sax, vocals), Ashley Jaramillo (guitar) ..

NVU-Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble

Johnson VT

I will once again be directing the Northern Vermont University – Johnson Funk/Fusion Ensemble for the Jazz/Contemporary concert on Wednesday 12/12/18 at 7pm .. Dibden Center for the Arts, Northern Vermont University – Johnson .. Open to all.. info at www.northernvermont.edu .. here’s our set:

Superstition (Stevie Wonder)
Colorful Midst (The Main Squeeze)
Watering Hole (Missy Higgins)
Hollow (Stacked Like Pancakes)
Valerie (Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse – The Zutons)
The Holdup (Ikebe Shakedown)
Chain of Fools (Aretha Franklin – Don Covay)

with: Harrison Abramsohn (alto sax, keyboards), James Douglas (drums, percussion), Anna Sargent (vocals), Elijah Berry (drums, percussion), Julia Simons (vibes, tenor sax, vocals), Timothy Pinckney (bass, vocals, harmonica), Rebecca Flieder (vocals), Makayla Jones (baritone sax, alto sax), Nicholas Sharratt (guitar, vocals)..