The Down to Funk Fund connects people to the power of funk music.

Website Advisor

Matt is a professional full-stack software engineer with over 10 years of experience, and currently works for an educational nonprofit called Big Minds. He has also played trumpet, trombone and tuba with a variety of norcal-based bands since 2015. He is a lover of all things funk and assists Down To Funk Fund with technical work, including web development, payment processing, and Discord moderation.

Advisor, Scribe

Karl is a multi-instrumentalist. He has been moving air professionally for over 15 years with bands such as: Big Sticky Mess, Boca do Rio, ideateam, Jonny Gold Trio, Earthstar Organ Trio and more. You can find him and his shenanigans on insta @greazycharles.

Marketing Advisor

Liz Kat is a content strategist who’s spent 10+ years in marketing and events. She runs a boutique social media agency working with clients across multiple industries to bring their stories to life online. She’s deeply passionate about building community through creativity and the arts, and inspiring people to chase their potential. She’s also the lead singer and songwriter of The Midnight Dip.

Advisor

Madison Armstrong is a saxophonist and woodwind instrumentalist based in Sacramento, California. Originally from Las Vegas, NV, she relocated to Sacramento in 2016 to attend Sacramento State University studying clarinet performance under Professor Sandra McPherson and jazz saxophone under Professor Mike McMullen.

Currently she plays and acts as the horn arranger/horn section leader in The Gold Souls, a powerhouse funk band based in Sacramento.

In addition to performing around the greater Sacramento area, she also teaches privately out of her own home studio in Sacramento.

Advisor

Nicole Gentry is a multi-instrumentalist, music director, music event producer, educator, and artist developer based in Northern California. As a musician, she works across live and recorded settings, while her leadership extends into directing performances, producing events, and guiding creative process. Nicole is known for creating intentional musical spaces that value collaboration, artistry, and growth, supporting both her own creative work and the work of others through mentorship, curation, and community building.

Documentary Advisor

Peter Stickney was born in Denver, Colorado. When he was three, his family moved to Modesto, California, and later settled in Sonora. His interest in photography and graphic arts was sparked by frequent visits to the Central Pacific Coast, Yosemite National Park, and the Ansel Adams Gallery. His aunt nurtured his budding passion by giving him her old cameras, an enlarger, and developing trays.

Over the years, Peter has worked in graphic arts, technology, and business administration, each role contributing to his creativity and expanding his skills.

For the past decade, he has focused on videotaping interviews with senior citizens and photographing portraits, headshots, and special events. He has also produced documentaries and short films.

Peter mentors students at City College of San Francisco and KPFA 94.1 FM, guiding them in photography, audio, and video production.

Graphic Designer

American music artist, Joel Ricci (fka Lucky Brown), writes and records in his tiny forest cabin in the foothills of the North Olympic Mountains on the Olympic peninsula. When called to do so, he assembles and conducts dynamic live public ceremonies/spectacles employing some of the most sought-after Funk and Jazz artists in the Seattle, Washington, area. Via his dozens of self-produced vinyl singles released in Europe over the past two decades, he has been hailed by music mavens worldwide as a deep funk pioneer.

Photography Advisor

For over 20 years, Sacramento photographer Elle Jaye has been playing with light, water and laughter to capture electric images in her work. She’s taken photos for G.I.R.L.S Rock Sacramento and held sessions with local acts like Katie Knipp, The Gold Souls, Jessica Malone and Dear Darling. She has a fiery passion to capture drummers and their instruments, enchanting musicians like Karen Wulff, Questlove, Daru Jones, Corey Strange and Mike Johnson.

Community Vibe Advisor

Darius is a music industry professional with over 30 years of experience as a front man, collaborator, recording artist, and live production contributor. With a background that includes performing with multiple artists, producing and promoting events, working in studio environments, and participating in filming and media production, he brings a full-spectrum understanding of what it takes to create powerful live and recorded music experiences.

Marketing Advisor

Mannie Thompson is a New York City–based marketing and advertising professional specializing in experiential activations and strategic brand partnerships. With over a decade of experience across music, art, fashion, culinary, and finance, she creates meaningful experiences that connect brands and audiences in authentic ways. Mannie brings a unique perspective shaped by years of securing partnerships and leading large-scale events, with thoughtful collaboration at the center of her approach to reach and inspire the community.

Administrative Advisor

Funk music was Elaine de Coligny’s coming-of-age soundtrack. As a change maker with 30 years of nonprofit executive leadership in the field of ending homelessness, she resonates with funk’s community building power, and the festival’s commitment to putting people first. Until recently, Elaine worked and wrote poetry in the San Francisco East Bay. She now calls Carmichael CA home.

Production Advisor

Alan Rose from Ecstatic Sound Collective is a co-founder of the Olympia Funk Festival in Olympia, WA. He's been curating and promoting live music events in the PNW for over 30 years. "I can't wait to get Down to Funk! This thing we do keeps getting better and better......"

Production Advisor

Co-founder of For The Funk Of It Music Fest. Bob is a cook in Chico California. He owned Bustolini's Deli for 7 years. He has been promoting music and comedy shows for 20 years. He loves promoting, booking and supporting great music.

Legal Advisor

Daniel heads Donahue Fitzgerald Attorney’s Music and Entertainment practice and co-chairs the Intellectual Property Practice Group. He helps creative people succeed by guiding their business and protecting their rights. His past and current clients include world-renowned musicians and companies in the music and technology space, including numerous members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, hip hop legends and China’s largest online content distributor. He also regularly teaches Music Law at his alma mater, U.C. Berkeley School of Law, provides California Lawyers for the Arts with pro bono services and seminars on the law and business of music and serves as pro bono counsel to two of Oakland’s Community Benefit Districts.

Production Advisor

Founder of B.E.W. Productions & Event Services (a full-service event and production company that specializes in event logistics, management and hospitality), Theresa is an avid music lover with strong ties to the music industry. After managing and touring with renowned improvisational quartet Garaj Mahal for eight years, Theresa went on to help produce and develop a plethora of music festivals and music events. Her experience runs deep with festivals such as High Sierra Music Festival, DelFest and Jerry Day as well as Outside Lands Music Festival, SnowGlobe, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Guitarfish and Hangtown Music Festival.

Vendor Coordinator

Trianna Feruza is a working musician and batik artist who has been vending at music festivals and fairs for the past eight years. Having grown up attending festivals since childhood, she brings a deep love for music, art, and community to everything she does. Trianna is excited to step into the role of Vendor Coordinator for Down to Funk, where she looks forward to supporting vendors and helping create a vibrant marketplace filled with the funkiest fits, crafts, and creations.

Production Advisor

Rebecca Sparks was an owner/principal of High Sierra Music Inc for decades. She oversaw production of the High Sierra Music Festival, DelFest, Hangtown Music Festival and many others across the country. Now she consults for events and festivals lending her expertise in operations, budgeting and logistics. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on hikes, and co-managing her daughter's bluegrass band, Sweet Sally.

Insurance Advisor

Retired not-for-profit affordable housing developer who project managed new construction and substantial rehab of more than 1,000 units in the SF Bay area. Tom has experience bringing shared dreams into long lasting public serving reality. Familiar with not-for-profit operations, Tom co-founded a now 45-year-old development company and held significant roles in several not-for-profit organizations. A listener of many music genres and a groupie to The Gold Souls, Tom brings experience and understanding to assist Down To Funk Fund realize their dream to create an organization to recognize and promote Funk music and present it annually at a music festival.

Volunteer Coordinator

Emily/Jeepa started her festival experience volunteering and has an understanding of what it’s like to be part of a great production crew. Emily/Jeepa has experience organizing festivals, fundraisers and music events. Emily/Jeepa has a background in Business Administration and Real Estate and has been involved in event production for the past 3 years and she can’t wait to boogie with you!

Stage Manager

Carol is a Funk-obsessed Product Manager and Stage Manager from Oakland, CA with passions for live music curation and building community. She’s on the production crew at Reverbia, Burning Man’s largest camp with 4 stages of live music. By day she manages teams building health apps. Oakland is her home base where she loves to build community around music, food and books.

Video Editor

Brian is a visual media designer with a background in both creative work and operations. He enjoys helping bring ideas to life, whether through visual design or by supporting the structure behind the scenes.

Video Editor

Misha Antonich has been tenured since 2011 in the Broadcast and Electronic Media Arts Department (BEMA) at City College of San Francisco and is overjoyed to be working with and alongside talented media students and colleagues. He mainly teaches video production (studio and field), editing (introduction and advanced), motion graphics, digital media skills classes. He's also happy to be teaching classes at his alma mater SF State (video editing and motion graphics) since Fall 2013.

Alongside his academic pursuits, Misha once worked as a video assistant and later full editor for the live music video production company MX Entertainment in San Francisco. There he cut his teeth and many videos on acts such as the Rolling Stones, the Who, Ween, Rush, Usher, (lil) Bow Wow, Herbie Hancock, Kiss, Los Lobos, Reggae on the River (Various artists) and many other artists.

Video Editor

Lorena Bennett, also known as Gina Dean, began her visual media path in 2013. She has produced videos for some small non-profits in the East Bay region, in the music education sector. Lorena also has extensive experience in the food & beverage industry as a server and hostess. On her off time, she loves to doodle and read books with big words in them (they make her sleepy). Lorena enjoys the arts and many music genres, especially Funk!

Variety Entertainment Coordinator

Vixi Vale is a multidisciplinary artist and producer devoted to crafting memorable experiences that live at the intersection of spectacle and storytelling. With deep roots in burlesque, circus, and nightlife production, years as a touring festival performer, and a creative home base in the vibrant live music scene of New Orleans, Vixi brings a keen curatorial eye and a passion for uplifting artists who spark connection, move bodies, and open minds. Onstage and behind the scenes, she’s all about building spaces that feel electric, intentional, and deeply alive.

Main Stage Lighting Designer

Matthew Moreau is a lighting designer whose work spans jazz and popular music, live events, dance, and interactive installations. As lead lighting designer and visual artist at SFJAZZ, he combines a passion and deep admiration for music with a theatrical approach to light and illumination, creating dynamic visual experiences that elevate world-class performances.

Marketing Advisor

Keitha is a retired advertising and marketing professional with extensive experience supporting both commercial enterprises and nonprofit organizations. A lifelong funk enthusiast, she is passionate about preserving the music that has been the soundtrack of her life and championing the artists who continue to Keep Funk Alive.

As a resident of Paradise, Keitha is dedicated to strengthening and growing the Northern California funk community. She brings her expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping ensure that funk music and culture continue to thrive for future Generations.

Ambiance Coordinator

Julie Boone is a longtime music festival participant, passionate funk music lover, and enthusiastic dance-floor regular. When she’s not grooving to live music, she enjoys staying active through yoga and swimming. As a licensed psychotherapist, Julie loves exploring mindfulness, breathwork, and neuroscience, and she’s always happy to dive into conversations about personal growth and well-being.

Julie is delighted to serve as DTFF’s Ambience Coordinator. She looks forward to helping create beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming spaces that complement the magic of the natural surroundings. Her goal is to foster an environment where people can connect, relax, and fully enjoy the unique spirit of the festival.

Waste Coordinator

I am a self-proclaimed (and professionally employed) waste management guru. I truly believe (and know!) most of what we throw away can be processed and used again. It is my life’s mission to help folks understand that their small, thoughtful efforts can make a difference every day. By correctly using the 3 bins at the curb our collective efforts really do add up and make a huge difference!

My background: BA in Environmental Studies from CSUS and 26 years with CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery).

Grant Advisor

After school, Stephanie originally hoped to help her musician friends share their work with the world. But community‑driven nonprofit work won her heart, and she built her career in nonprofit fundraising. Luckily for Down to Funk Festival, her love of music still shapes how she connects people to causes and communities — and now she’s helping raise funds for this amazing festival.

In her personal time, she’s a bicycle commuter, gardener, and outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring year‑round. As a mom, she’s deeply invested in building a better future for the next generation.

Aerial Photographer

Phil is a Sonoma County–based photographer and FAA-certified drone pilot with a decade of experience capturing places, people, and events. His work specializes in creating immersive interactive virtual tours, to help audiences explore spaces in engaging ways. When he's not behind a camera or flying a drone, Phil manages and is restoring a 250-acre section of fire-damaged redwood forest in the Mayacamas Mountains.

Video Editor

Khalilah found her passion for Video Editing as a kid by recording her favorite cartoons onto her trusty VHS tape. Almost 20 years ago, she made the big move to San Francisco to chase her dream at the Academy of Art University and graduated with an MFA in Video Editing. For the past 13 years, she has worked as a video editor, creating content for companies like IGN and Paramount+. If you're curious to see more of her work, feel free to check out her work at https://lilahedits.carrd.co/

Camp Store Coordinator

Josh, or Juice, is a San Francisco–based professional pianist and seasoned spirits and hospitality industry veteran with a deep-rooted passion for craft and festival culture. For decades he has been moving audiences through his music, a journey that has balanced perfectly with his career evaluating the world’s finest whiskies, agaves, amari, and spirits of all types. Having served as a Spirits Buyer, a Portfolio Manager, a and a long-time judge for the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, he brings a refined palate and a keen eye for quality to every project. Whether behind the keys at a local venue, managing the VIP bar at major music festivals like High Sierra, or emceeing other festivals and events, this guy is committed to creating memorable experiences that celebrate community, craft, and soul.

Lodging & Transportation Liaison

Erin Wallace lives for creating unforgettable live music experiences. With more than 12 years in the festival and events industry, she has worked her way up from volunteering at festivals to leading events behind the scenes. Known for her artist and attendee focused approach, Erin has managed/worked: Golden Road Gathering, High Sierra Music Festival, For the Funk of It, Sawtooth Valley Gathering and Hangtown Music Fest to name a few. She also produced her own summer concert series, Music at the Mine.

A natural problem solver with a passion for bringing people together through music, Erin thrives on making complex events run seamlessly. And when she's not producing shows or coaching competitive Skiing, you'll probably find her listening to funk—because nothing makes her happier.

Hospitality Coordinator

Henry is an artist relations professional with over 10 years of experience working behind the scenes with high-profile acts such as STS9, Thievery Corporation, Larkin Poe, and Sublime. He believes that providing a top-notch experience for the artists is reflected in the vibe they bring to the stage and the way they connect with the crowd. When Henry is not running around with a radio, he likes to go on hikes with his dog Bongo, jam on his mandolin, tend to the garden, read, and immerse himself in complex, multi-step cooking projects. An erstwhile chef, Henry is currently back in school to finish his degree in Anthropology. Henry is excited to step into the role of Hospitality Coordinator for Down To Funk, and he hopes that this is the start of a years-long tradition.

Stage Production Manager

Badass boss lady, packaged in gleeful whimsy, wearing a cool hat!

With a versatile skillset drawn from a diverse career spanning theater, education, and outdoor recreation, and a natural aptitude for connecting people and solving problems, She brings a joyful energy to music festivals, private functions, and other events of all types. When Joy isn’t working, she can be found riding her bike, romping with her dog, or chilling lakeside amidst the many wonders of the California mountains.

Sukhpreet Kaur, Bookkeeping Advisor

I am a CPA and owner of Kaur Accounting & Taxes, bringing more than a decade of experience helping individuals, businesses, and organizations make sense of their finances and taxes. With a background in mathematics and accounting, I enjoy turning complicated numbers into something people can actually understand. I am excited to bring to be part of Down To Funk and support an organization built around creativity, community, and doing things a little differently.

Development Advisor

Anne was drawn to Down to Funk Fest by the mission, philosophy, and community—and a deep desire to feel the energy from the music and the crowd work together to free our souls and lift our spirits. She offers insight into audience experience paired with more than 25 years of communications, media relations, and advocacy in government, politics, non-profits, and philanthropy. Based in Seattle, Anne has been known to travel pretty much anywhere to see a good show.