Meet the Band
Geno Treppeda, Drummer & Band Leader
Geno Treppeda has been leading a Funk and Soul band for the last decade and with over 45 years of experience as a professional drummer. Geno’s band, Funk Knuf, has made a significant mark in the local music community.
Funk Knuf is a musical gathering of exceptional talent. With a dynamic, expressive, high-energy approach.
Collaboration within the band has made Funk Knuf, “A rhythmic space, that feels like a groovy home.”
Beth Avedis, Vocals
Start with well written lyrics to a song….Add raw energy and a healthy dose of blue-eyed soul. Heat gently with a sensuously flaming torch, and you’re serving up one of music’s hottest recipes today. Her name is Beth Avedis, and she most certainly cooks.
Beth Avedis is one of Colorado’s own premier award-winning powerhouse vocal entertainers and live music performers who lends Funk Knuf a distinctive edge on the stage. Beth’s many professional credits include: A Grammy songwriting nomination, Billboard songwriting award and a #5 hit single in Europe. She has received the coveted ProMax Award for vocal performance and has performed with such music legends as Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Foreigner, Leon Russell and Mitch Ryder, to name a few.
Her live performances and studio recording session work have earned her international acclaim. She is warm, charming and the consummate professional on stage and off. She will always FUNK your socks off!
Rich Benge, Guitar
Rich Benge began his musical journey in the Chicago area with a strong melting pot blend of rock, blues, jazz, funk, fusion, and soul. He moved to Denver in the early 90’s and has been working in the Colorado music scene ever since. He joined Funk Knuf in 2019.
Bill Capsalis, Bass
Bill Capsalis picked up the bass in Detroit in the 70’s and hasn’t put it down since. He’s anchored many bands along the front range and has played on many recordings over the years. He approaches the bass with an old school vibe playing finger style on a variety of Fender basses. He anchors the FunkKnuf band because he loves to groove!
Mark A. DeVere, Keys & Vocals
Mark A. DeVere has been playing keyboards professionally for over 50 years. He says; “I grew up in house with a piano in it, and I have never lived in house without one.” He saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964 and live, in 1966 in RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. He said; “I knew right then and there, that was what I wanted to do”
Mark has played musical styles from A to Z all over the United States and through out the world sitting in with a Jazz group in Japan in 2018 and playing on a piano owned by the Polish composer Paderewski in the national piano museum in Waiheke Island New Zealand, in 2012.
“I love Rock & Roll, but I can pick out something to play in most genres. I play by ear, and I’ve been told I have a good one. I love to sing as well”
Doug Carmichael, Alto & Bari Sax
Doug Carmichael is a respected musician and dedicated music teacher based in Colorado, known for his captivating performances and inspiring teaching style. As a saxophonist with a passion for jazz, Doug has been an integral part of the Colorado music scene, performing with a variety of ensembles and connecting with audiences across the region. His playing style, rooted in jazz and infused with blues and modern influences, reflects his love for improvisation and his deep connection to the music.
Beyond performing, Doug is committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians. As a teacher, he fosters creativity, discipline, and an appreciation for music in his students, whether they are aspiring professionals or simply exploring music for the joy of it. Doug’s approach combines technical instruction with an emphasis on expression, encouraging each student to find their unique musical voice.
Doug Carmichael’s contributions as both a performer and educator have made him a valued member of Colorado’s musical community, where he continues to inspire through both his art and his mentorship.
Dave McLoughlin, Trumpet
Dave McLoughlin, originally from Michigan, began his musical career performing jazz, standards, and pop music at private events throughout the state. After college, he moved to California, where he expanded his musical horizons, playing in a variety of genres, including Big Band, musical theatre, and even performing with multiple symphonic groups in the Bay Area.
Eventually, Dave settled in Colorado to raise his family and soon began shaping the local music scene. In the Denver metro area, he formed his own 9-piece swing band and later played with notable cover bands, including the infamous Big Bang! from Boulder.
“Playing with Funk Knuf has been an absolute blast—great musicians, killer tunes, and an energy that keeps us funking our butts off for audiences. It’s truly been one of the most rewarding chapters of my musical career!”
John Battista, Tenor Sax
John Battista started playing sax in 5th grade back in New York. “I was a big hit with grandma in my ‘living room series’ of concerts back in the early 70’s”. With that acclaim come some big musical opportunities for Battista – a solo in the 6th grade Christmas concert, lead alto in the John Jay HS jazz band, and tenor player for UMB, Bucknell’s premiere party band!
After moving to Colorado in 1989 somehow Battista has been able to worm his way in with some of the best bands in the area – The Legendary 4-nikators, Big Bang, Trouble in the Heartland, The Swingin’ Seven, Swing City, and Funk Knuf!
With influences ranging from Sam Butera to Sonny Rollins to Lenny Pickett, Johnny B strives to bring you the Funk!
Tudie Calderon, Percussion
Tudie Calderon is a percussionist based in Evergreen, Colorado, who adds flavor to Funk Knuf with his auxiliary percussion skills. In addition to his work with Funk Knuf, Tudie has collaborated with other musicians, including performing on congas with Timmy and the Groove Defenders.