About Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra

Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra was founded with a mission to bring the grooviest funk music to the people of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our 11 piece band is made up of talented musicians who have a deep love for funk music and a dedication to providing top-notch live performances, music production, and event entertainment. With years of experience and a shared passion for funk, we guarantee a night of dancing and good vibes whenever we hit the stage.  The Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra has opened for great artists such as Ceelo Green, C&C Music Factory, The Sugar Hill Gang, Here Come The Mummies, Rob Base, DJ E-Z Rock, Young MC, Who's Bad, and many others.  The Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra has performed for major events such as Middle Waves Music Festival, Three Rivers Festival, Baals Music Festival, Rib Fest, Weather the Fort, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, DeKalb County Fair, Botanical Roots, Get Green Fest, Fright Night, Down The Line, Rock The Plaza, and countless others. 

Aaron King – Founder, Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra

Aaron King is a highly accomplished band director, musician, and the visionary founder of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra. With a robust academic background and a wealth of experience, King has left an indelible mark on the music community.

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Indiana University Fort Wayne.

Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from Middle Tennessee State University.

Professional Leadership:

Currently serves as the Head Band Director of North Side High School, where his innovative teaching and leadership have continued the legacy of excellence started by his father, Edward E. King II.

In 2024, under King’s direction, the North Side Wildsiders Jazz Ensemble achieved a historic victory at the Indiana State School Music Association's State Jazz Band Finals.

Performance Contributions:

A dynamic performer with both the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra and the New Millennium Jazz Orchestra, King is celebrated for his versatility and musical expertise.

Aaron King’s dedication to education and performance continues to inspire students and audiences alike, cementing his legacy as a leader in the world of music and jazz.

Jason Westerman – Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Jason Westerman is an award-winning trumpet and flugelhorn player with over 30 years of experience and a founding member of the renowned Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra. His passion for music ignited at the age of two, inspired by his father, a trumpet player, who introduced him to the instrument that would define his life's work.

Growing up in a family with deep musical roots, Jason honed his skills under the mentorship of the legendary Edward E. King II. This mentorship not only shaped his technical expertise but also instilled in him the soulful blend of funk and jazz that has become synonymous with his sound. His dynamic style has established him as a cornerstone of the Fort Wayne music scene, earning him widespread acclaim.

Offstage, Jason is a dedicated family man who treasures time with his wife and five children. His music reflects his personal and familial influences, leaving a lasting legacy that resonates with audiences far and wide.

Daniel Fisher – Keyboardist/Synthesist

Daniel Fisher is a highly accomplished keyboardist and synthesist with a distinguished career spanning multiple decades.

13 Years: Keyboardist for the prestigious United States Army Rock Band, showcasing his exceptional talent on both national and international stages.

19 Years: Keyboardist for Pink Droyd, where his mastery of progressive rock captivated audiences with stunning recreations of Pink Floyd's iconic soundscapes.

26 Years: Synth Video Demonstrator for Sweetwater Sound, where he became a trusted educator and influencer in the music industry, demonstrating cutting-edge synth and audio technologies to musicians worldwide.

5 Years: Performer with the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, contributing his signature style and virtuosity to the group's dynamic sound.

Former College Professor: At the esteemed Berklee College of Music, Daniel shared his knowledge and passion, mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Daniel’s unique blend of technical expertise, innovative artistry, and educational impact makes him a revered figure in the music world. His contributions continue to inspire both his peers and aspiring musicians alike.

MicQuail, born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a dynamic and multi-talented artist, blessed with a wealth of creativity, artistry, and passion. Known for his soulful and skillful approach to music and video production, writing, and performance, he stands out as a true force in the creative world.

As the producer of the Grammy-nominated La Vendedora de Placer, MicQuail has made an indelible mark on the music industry. His accolades include the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and the ISSMA Most Outstanding Soloist Award, among many others, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.

MicQuail honed his expertise at Taylor University, where he studied Sounds & Recording and Organizational Management. His impressive resume spans roles as a musician, artist, producer, writer, singer, actor, and music engineer.

Currently, he plays drums with the renowned Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, contributing his unique flair and rhythm. Beyond his performances, MicQuail actively participates in various community functions, sharing his gifts to inspire and uplift those around him.

 

 

Tony Didier, a proud Fort Wayne, Indiana native, is a true pillar of the local arts community, celebrated for his remarkable versatility as a singer, actor, and dancer. As the lead singer and one of the founding members of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, his dynamic performances captivate audiences far and wide.

An accomplished theatre artist, Tony is a regular in the local scene and a multiple-time recipient of the Anthony Awards from The Fort Wayne Civic Theatre. His talent has earned him opportunities to perform as a guest singer with prestigious groups such as the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as well as at charity events like Fort Wayne Sings.

Tony is also a retired ballroom and Latin dance teacher with over 21 years in the dance industry, including seven years competing professionally in American Rhythm with his wife, Vienne. His passion for the arts extends into education, where he serves as the Director of Theatre at Most Precious Blood School and as a visual instructor for the North Side High School Marching Legends, both institutions being his alma maters.

A gifted singer-songwriter, Tony creates music in the folk genre, available on all streaming platforms. His live performances, both local and regional, further demonstrate his artistry and connection to his community.

Evan Stuerzenberger – Lead Singer, Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra

Evan Lee Stuerzenberger is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Midwest. Born and raised on Indiana’s sprawling farmlands, Evan’s music is deeply rooted in the values of his family’s heritage. His upbringing instilled in him a work ethic as strong as his voice, which has been refined through a classical education in vocal performance. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance from the prestigious Jacobs School of Music.

Evan’s sound is a nostalgic nod to the 1970s, infused with the soulful rhythms of southern rock and funk, and enriched by the sophisticated nuances of neo-soul and jazz. His music bridges generations, appealing to fans of timeless classics and modern melodies alike.

With a performance career spanning more than a decade, Evan has collaborated with regional and national acts, including the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Pink Droyd, Night to Remember, The Be Colony, Good Night Gracie, Project Indigo, The Wait, The Homies, The OG Band, YM3 Music Group, Voices of Unity Choir, and more. He has shared the stage with nationally acclaimed artists such as CeeLo Green, Sugar Hill Gang, KC and the Sunshine Band, C+C Music Factory, Rob Base, Sidewalk Chalk, Young MC, Chuckie Campbell and the Black Den, among others. His performances have captivated audiences at venues across the United States.

Lisa "McDiva" McDavid

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Lisa "McDiva" McDavid discovered her passion for music at an early age, beginning her vocal journey in church and musical theatre. Her rich, soulful voice and dynamic stage presence quickly became her signature.

Over six years ago, Lisa joined the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, where she has become an integral part of the band’s powerful sound, infusing every performance with her energy and passion for funk music. Known for her ability to connect with audiences, Lisa adds a unique blend of soulful melodies and dynamic vocal stylings to the band’s versatile repertoire, earning her widespread recognition in the local music scene.

"I grew up listening to funk, and this band is family!" Lisa shares, reflecting on her love for the genre and the camaraderie within the group.

Beyond her work with the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Lisa is dedicated to sharing her gift with the community, often lending her voice to charity events and collaborations with fellow musicians. Her journey as a vocalist is a testament to her deep connection to music and her commitment to inspiring others through her art.

Chandler Cashdollar is a longtime member of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, known for laying down electric bass grooves that keep the dance floor alive and moving. With an impeccable sense of rhythm and an infectious energy, Chandler’s basslines provide the heartbeat of the band’s unmistakable funk sound.

A true groove master, Chandler’s playing combines technical precision with soulful expression, seamlessly blending with the band’s dynamic arrangements. His ability to lock in with the rhythm section while driving the energy of every performance has earned him recognition as a standout bassist in the regional music scene.

As a key member of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Chandler’s contributions extend beyond the music—his dedication and passion have been instrumental in the band’s longevity and success. Whether in the studio or on stage, Chandler’s grooves ensure every performance is unforgettable.

Miguel Burney is an original member of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra and a virtuosic guitar soloist renowned for his electrifying performances and technical mastery. With a style that seamlessly blends funk, jazz, and rock influences, Miguel’s guitar work has become a defining element of the band’s sound.

A gifted improviser and dynamic performer, Miguel has a unique ability to connect with audiences through his expressive solos and rhythmic precision. His creative approach to guitar playing showcases not only his technical expertise but also his deep passion for the music.

As one of the founding members of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Miguel has been instrumental in shaping the group’s identity and bringing their powerful performances to stages across the region. His dedication to his craft and his bandmates continues to elevate the orchestra’s reputation as one of the premier funk ensembles in the area.

Patrick Mathews, aka Patty Wow, is a long-standing member of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra and a phenomenal guitarist known for his dynamic style and soulful sound. Raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Patrick developed a passion for funk, soul, and blues early on, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Prince, George Benson, and Eddie Hazel.

With a keen ear for intricate rhythms and melodic finesse, Patty Wow has been instrumental in shaping the signature sound of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra. Whether laying down groovy riffs or leading electrifying solos, his contributions have earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile guitarists in the regional music scene.

In addition to his work with the Orchestra, Patrick has collaborated with various local and national acts, showcasing his adaptability across genres such as jazz, rock, and R&B. Offstage, Patrick is dedicated to mentoring aspiring musicians and sharing his love for the craft.

For Patty Wow, music is not just an art but a way to bring people together, and his performances embody the passion and energy that define the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra’s live shows.

Quincy Sanders is an original member of The Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra and a prolific saxophonist whose powerful performances and signature sound have been integral to the band’s success. A master of blending funk, jazz, and soul influences, Quincy’s skillful improvisation and commanding stage presence captivate audiences and elevate every performance.

Quincy’s dedication to his craft has made him a sought-after collaborator, contributing his talents to numerous recording projects and live performances across the region. Known for his rich tone and technical finesse, he seamlessly transitions from smooth melodies to high-energy solos, embodying the spirit of funk.

As a founding member of the Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Quincy’s contributions go beyond his exceptional musicianship—he has played a key role in shaping the band’s identity and sound. His love for music and commitment to excellence continue to inspire both his fellow musicians and the audiences he performs for.

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Contact Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra today to book us for your next event or to learn more about our services.