The Funk Ark

Will Rast is one of the most sought-after musicians on the scene. He has played all over the country and all over the world touring with Mya, RAMP and Argentine songwriting talents Natalia Clavier and Federico Aubele. Funk Ark is his proudest project to date, mostly because he gets to play with killing musicians who also happen to be his good friends.

Joe Herrera
Joe Herrera came up in Yuma Arizona. His musical experiences have taken him throughout the world. Since moving to the District 6 years ago, he has become an in demand trumpet player for groups ranging from funk, jazz, latin and avant guard ensembles, he also leads his own groups. See more at www.herrerajazz.com.

Matt Rippetoe
Matt resides in Northwest DC and is well known for his tenor sound that is at once funky and highly technical. He’s also a freelance graphic designer and an amateur homebrewer. Check him out at mattrippetoe.com and mattrippetoe.com/design…

Rodney Richardson
Rodney, a DC native, is dedicated to the old-school jazz sound, but feels right at home when it comes to the funk. Do not underestimate this guitarist. Check him out at www.rodneyrichardson.com

Greg Loman
Greg Loman was born in Bordeaux, France on June 6, 1982. His exposure to architecture through his parents and art through his grandfather (a French painter) inspired him to draw constantly during his childhood. After moving to Washington D.C. at the age of 6, he was introduced to the Beatles, one of his first musical memories. At age 13, Greg got an acoustic guitar for Christmas and began immersing himself into recordings and practicing guitar as much as he possibly could. The radio was his first teacher: figuring out each song by ear for hours became his daily practice routine.

Mark Blackwood
Marc first picked up the electric bass at the age of 14, performing everything from speed metal to classic and alternative rock with various bands in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. He also leads his own electronic drum and bass project.

Jeff Franca
Jeff is one of the freshest drummers and producers on the D.C. scene. He is the drummer for The I-ternals, Mojai, and a free jazz collective called Cricket Quartet. Jeff took over on the drums for Funk Ark in early 2009 and since then Jeff and Will have been producing the band’s debut album out of his own Lillypad Studios. Check out his website: myspace.com/jefffranca.

Josh Kay
Josh has been playing all around the DC/Baltimore area since 1996. He has hit with many projects including Soul Element, Deborah Bond & Third Logic, The Jay Flemming Blues Project, Black and Tan Fantasy Band and now Funk Ark. Josh is comfortable with a full range of percussion instruments, but has chosen to slim back down to the basics: congas and basic hand percussion for Funk Ark to preserve the vintage tones they are striving to recreate.

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Watch Past Performances

6/19/11: The Funk Ark

The D.C. group draws on influences from the African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s, resulting in a gritty and soulful mix of Afrobeat and big band funk.

The Funk Ark

The D.C. group draws on influences from the African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s, resulting in a gritty and soulful mix of Afrobeat and big band funk.

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The Funk Ark

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