Jans Ingber, the infamous singer and hypeman formerly of the Motet, has shown time and time again that he knows how to throw a party. After moving to Oregon, residents of Colorado this weekend will be lucky enough to get down with Jans once again, and he’s bringing some world-class musicians along for the ride. Jans Ingber’s Funk Fellowship will be hitting Cervantes’ in Denver on Friday, December 16th (more info) then moving North to the Fox Theatre in Boulder for a second night of booty-shaking, soul-moving funk on December 17th (more info).
To get prepped, we asked Jans for the low-down on the musicians he’s bringing together for the funk extravaganza. Here’s what he had to say about the unreal line-up he’s assembled for the weekend!
Isaiah Sharkey – Guitar
From D’Angelo’s band, Isaiah is one of the baddest young guitarists in this game. He’s got some clear Chicago gospel and jazz roots, and he knows how to lay it down. He also just played on Anderson. Paak’s and Corrine Bailey Rae’s newest records. Colorado, we gotta show him how we do it!
Video of Isaiah Sharkey below courtesy of Kevin Wilson.
Sharay Reed – Bass
You may or may not know the name, but trust me when I say this dude is one of the baddest bass players alive. If you don’t trust me, do you trust Chaka Kahn, Aretha Franklin, and R. Kelly? Because he plays with all of them too. And if you still have your doubts, then just watch the video below, and you’ll get it.
Video of Sharay Reed below courtesy of HattieMacD
Steveland Swatkins – Keys
He’s our boy wonder, cinnamon bear, talk box swag machine. When he’s not out touring with Allen Stone, he’s home in Portland making videos like the one below, which really shows you how he does. You know, man, he’s part of our funk family.
Video of Steveland Swatkins below courtesy of the artist
Jarrod Lawson – Vocals, Keys
I know Denver has been waiting for his return after he became a literal international soul sensation! Dude released his first album a couple years ago, and he straight blew up in Europe. He’s flying in from Portland, and we’re gonna be going so deep. Do not sleep, because this cat right here is one of the baddest soul singers in the biz.
Video of Jarrod Lawson below courtesy of BBC Radio 1Xtra
Alvin Ford, Jr. – Drums
One of the cats! So check it, he’s the current drummer of the Pretty Lights Live Band, and former drummer of Dumpstaphunk and Dirty Dozen Brass Band. I don’t know what else you want me to say except that we are feeling blessed to have a New Orleans funk legend in the house.
Video of Alvin Ford, Jr. below courtesy of Clayton Call DrumCam
Kimberly Dawson – Vocals
The girl can SANG! Ha, I know it, you know it, we all know it. She’s my good friend and just an all-around amazing artist from the Pimps of Joytime.
Video of Kimberly Dawson with the New Mastersounds below courtesy of Dan Sneider
LaDamion Massey – Vocals
Man, I’m so stoked on this night. The chorus is gonna be too strong. LaDamion is another great friend and even better singer.
Video of LaDamion Masey with Jans Ingber’s Funk Fellowship below courtesy of Jaden Carlson Band
Shane Endsley – Trumpet
Shane has been all around the world playing music. Somehow, I don’t know if you guys in Colorado recognize how lucky y’all are to have him. Kneebody is his group. He’s a super musical cat, and I’m feeling so honored to have him on the gig.
Video of Shane Endsley below courtesy of Kneebody
Jonathan Lee Stewart – Sax
This dude is one of my best homies in Denver! Ha, he’s a bad boy right here. I mean he’s gotta be if he plays with SuperCollider, Devotchka and more.
Video of Jonathan Lee Stewart courtesy of user youngtrane
Jans Ingber – Vocals, percussion
Ha! And that’s me. I’m that one guy. I got a pocket full of vibe, and I leave it all on the stage.
Video of Jans Ingber’s Funk Fellowship courtesy of CrescendoPDX
We are beyond stoked to see Jans Ingber return to Colorado and check out the badass lineup he’s assembled for his two-night stand here. Tickets for the Friday show at Cervantes in Denver can be purchased here. Tickets for the Saturday show at the Fox Theatre in Boulder can be purchased here. Colorado residents who are in a giving mood this holiday season but still want to get down on Friday might be interested in the Dance of the Sugar Plum Deepness, a charity event benefiting the Denver Rescue Mission that includes tickets to Jans Ingber’s Funk Fellowship at Cervantes after.