The Motet, the beloved funk outfit that has toured the world from its home base in Denver for nearly three decades, will move forward without longtime keyboardist Joey Porter.
The band, which has often rotated members and configurations throughout its tenure, announced Porter’s departure in a lengthy message to its fans on Thursday. The note also revealed a pair of interim keyboardists due to step in at upcoming dates including jam scene veteran Kris Yunker on February 7th and February 20th and funky optimist/bandleader Steve “Swatkins” Watkins at the group’s 13 scheduled March and April shows.
In a Facebook post of his own, Porter wrote, “After almost 20 years of playing in the Motet I have decided to leave the band to pursue new musical avenues. I have enjoyed my time in the band and appreciate all of the opportunities that it brought. I wish the band luck with all of their future endeavors.”
The Motet – Live at Dillon Amphitheatre – Full Show [Pro-Shot] – 7/11/25
Read the full announcement from The Motet—now composed of drummer Dave Watts, bassist Garrett Sayers, guitarist Ryan Jalbert, multi-instrumentalist Drew Sayers, and vocalist Sarah Clarke—about Joey Porter making his exit from the band below:
Motet family –
Throughout The Motet’s 28 year history, we’ve built our musical identity around an evolving cast of incredible musicians – sometimes with horn sections, percussionists, background vocalists, or multiple guitarists, or keyboardists. 5 piece bands, 7 piece bands, 11 piece bands.
The past few years have been transformational and extraordinary as we’ve welcomed Sarah Clarke as our singer, and shifted from a larger horn section to Drew Sayers’ double duty on sax and keyboards.
As 2026 starts, we’re opening another chapter in the band’s history.
After 17 years of performing with The Motet, our illustriously funky keyboardist Joey Porter is leaving the group to pursue other musical endeavors. It’s been a great run and we wish him the best. Joey’s creative contributions to the band will remain a permanent influence on the sound of The Motet as we continue to evolve and produce new music.
While Joey’s departure is bittersweet, we are extremely excited about what the future holds for The Motet and what’s to come for the keyboard position. That being said, we are happy to let you know that our Feb 7th and Feb 20th dates will feature our friend and powerhouse keyboardist Kris Yunker, who will join us playing both Motet music and the return of Funk is Dead! And for our March 19th – April 11th shows (including Jamiroquai tributes in Portland + Seattle) we’ll have the incredibly funky Steve Watkins crushing the clav, synth, rhodes, and talkbox!
So while we join you right now in saying farewell to Joey, we want you to know that The Motet will always continue to move forward and transform, because music is the bigger force that connects all of us together.
Stay tuned for more info on Kris, Steve, and future musicians who are going to play with us as we dive into the next chapter of The Motet! We’re excited to have a new look as a band as we continue to grow and find inspiration.
-Dave, Garrett, Ryan, Drew, and Sarah
Related: Rippin’ Herb: The Motet’s Joey Porter on Herbie Hancock [2016 Interview]
We at Live For Live Music are wishing all the best to both Joey Porter and The Motet as this new chapter begins. Thanks for all the funk. See below for a full list of upcoming The Motet tour dates. For ticketing details, head here.
THE MOTET – WINTER/SPRING 2026 TOUR DATES
February 7 – Crested Butte, Colorado – Crested Butte Ski Resort
February 20 – Nederland, Colorado – Caribou Room
March 13 – Buena Vista, Colorado – Surf Hotel
March 14 – Grand Junction, Colorado – Mesa Theater
March 19 – Bellingham, Washington – Wild Buffalo
March 20 – Seattle, Washington – Neptune Theatre
March 21 – Portland, Oregon – The Get Down
March 24 – Santa Barbara, California – SOhO Music Club
March 25 – Solana Beach, California – Belly Up Tavern
March 26 – Los Angeles, California – The Venice West
March 27 – San Francisco, California – The Independent
March 28 – Santa Cruz, California – Moe’s Alley
March 29 – San Luis Obispo, California – SLO Brew
April 10 – Denver, Colorado – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
April 11 – Denver, Colorado – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
View this post on Instagram