The DC Collective is the product of years of playing with other amazing musicians in a wide variety of music settings. Styles vary from jazz to classical, funk to rock, fusion to background music. We can put together just about any arrangement of musical ensembles ranging from solo saxophone to full groups. This is an exciting place to be in as a musician because there are so many vibrant musical directions represented through one contact. The projects on this page are just a sample of what is possible.
Contact The DC Collective
[email protected]
(303) 834-0525
The Otone Brass Band has been bringing the New Orleans brass band sound to the Rockies for almost 20 years. Their unique blend of original music, high energy, and second line grooves has left audiences so full they have to let out their belt. You may have seen them at the Vail Jazz Fest, Film on the Rocks, the 5 Points Jazz fest, the Estes Park Jazz Fest, the Peoples Fair, the Longmont Jazz Fest, or even at the Democratic National Convention or the Aspen Apres Ski Cocktail Classic. The Otones have shared the stage with such groups as Galactic, Ozomatli, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band at such venues as Red Rocks, the Blue Bird, the Fox Theater, and the Boulder Theater. With a fully mobile sound the Otones have brought the grooves to parades, pub crawls, marches, weddings, and all the crazy things requiring music on the go.
FUNK KNUF (funk enough) is Colorado’s funk experience, playing fun and solid funk music with a horn section full of monster players!
Funk Knuf pays tribute to funk music from Brand New Heavies to Liquid Soul, and Jaco Pastorious to Lettuce. You’ll hear Tower of Power, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Galactic, King Hector, some Greyboy All Stars, and much more!
The band is managed by Geno Treppeda on drums (from BiG BaNG!). Lead vocals are provided by Beth Avedis, who's expansive vocal talents are only outshined by her amazing stage presence and magnetic personality. Their monster horn section includes John Battista on tenor sax, Dave McLoughlin on trumpet, and Doug Carmichael on alto, bari sax, and flute. The band’s rhythm section includes Rich Benge on guitar and Bill Capsalis on bass.
Funk Knuf plays corporate events, festivals, venues, private parties, and more. Pricing is negotiable depending on travel, back-line, sound, and other variables. We are happy to make you happy and are willing to work with different budgets.
Funk Knuf plays music that will move your body parts! Guaranteed.
Morpheus is the Greek god of dreams. He shaped and influenced the dreams of gods, heroes, kings, and mortals. The derivative of his name is also the name of a medicinal treatment that relieves pain and yet is incredibly addictive.
We are a Morphine tribute band in Colorado. Enchanted, beguiled, and inspired by the 'low-rock' songs of the 1990s alternative rock band Morphine, we strive to bring that sonic experience to you.
Morpheus Dreaming is a reverie from a trio of seasoned musicians who have come together to bring these sounds into musical wakefulness. Brian, Doug and Tim combine decades of jazz, blues and rock experiences into a sound that blurs all three genres into one.
We call ourselves "Morpheus Dreaming - a Tribute to Morphine and Beyond". The "and beyond" means we also play other rock and pop covers in a 'low-rock' style. Want to hear how Black Sabbath's Paranoid or Billy Idol's Rebel Yell or Tom Petty's Runnin' Down a Dream can sound with sax, slide bass, and drums? That's the dream state Morpheus Dreaming plays in.
The music of Morpheus Dreaming is a unique cocktail of baritone sax, 2-string slide bass, drums, and low vocals. A jazzy, bluesy, alternative rock, beat sound. A film noir vision made for your ears. It is where the three of us like to dream. Come dream with us.
Straphangin is a Brecker Brothers tribute band. The Brecker Brothers were a jazz fusion group consisting primarily of Randy and Michael Brecker in the 1970’s. Randy played trumpet and Michael primarily played saxophone. In our group, James Barela plays trumpet and EVI, Doug Carmichael plays tenor saxophone, Richard Benge plays guitar, Derek Swink plays drums, DeAnn Dickinson plays keyboards and Byron Dudrey plays the bass. We’ve played various gigs around Denver, here is a YouTube link from one of those gigs.
3ology is a Colorado-based trio exploring the possibilities of improvisation and groove in an angular and fresh way. Together, saxophonist Doug Carmichael, acoustic and electric bassist Tim Carmichael, and drummer Jon Powers produce a paradoxical sound that is both avant-garde and melodic, edgy and spacious.
Members of the group draw on influences as diverse as Michael Brecker, Yellowjackets, Living Colour, Rush, John Coltrane, and Me'shell Ndegeocello. All three musicians grew up and studied music in Colorado. In 2007 they came together to form 3ology and have collaborated with other artists live and, in the studio, including Ron Miles.
3ology's recordings have received warm reception both nationally and internationally with radio play throughout the US, Canada, France, Australia, and the UK. The band's free improvisation mixed with genre-jumping grooves creates an “infectious” sound that is all their own.
C Spot Groove is a group of jazz musicians that wanted to take jazz elements and plug it into more contemporary songs. Herbie Hancock came out is a recording called the New Standard back in 1996. It consists of jazz renditions of classic and contemporaneous rock and R&B songs. We’ve fashioned C Spot after that in terms of arranging current songs in a jazz medium. We can and still do jazz standard but even then, we make them out own. Doug Carmichael is on saxophone; Tim Carmichael is on Bass and Marcel Carter is on drums.
The Mo Jazz Trio is offshoot of Mojo Mamma, an established blues band based in Longmont Colorado. The group is made of saxophone, bass and drums. Soul jazz, familiar covers and classic jazz is the musical landscape. You can see us every first Friday at Abbot and Wallace Distillery in Longmont.
Vic Dillahay and Doug Carmichael are a jazz duo hailing from Longmont, Colorado, blending their unique musical talents to create a captivating soundscape that draws in audiences across the Front Range. Known for their seamless chemistry and improvisational spirit, Vic, a seasoned guitarist, and Doug, a soulful saxophonist, bring a vibrant energy to every performance. Their music is a heartfelt journey through jazz standards, soulful blues, and funky covers, each piece interwoven with spontaneity and passion that keep listeners on their toes.
Drawing inspiration from jazz greats and the natural beauty of Colorado, the duo has built a dedicated following in local venues and jazz festivals. Their live performances are more than just shows—they’re immersive experiences, each setlist curated with an intention to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Vic and Doug’s partnership, both as friends and musicians, shines through in their dynamic interplay, making them one of the must-see jazz acts in the Colorado jazz scene.
Deaf Uncle is a Fort Collins based Soul Jazz instrumental group. The ensemble consists of two saxophones (ranging from soprano to baritone) piano, bass and drums. Doug Carmichael and Matt Floyd are on the saxophones, Dave Nielson in on Bass, Oscar DeSoto on drums and Daniel Kapit on Piano. You can see us every fourth Friday at Avogadro’s Number in Fort Collins.
The Cannon St. Groove Slayers are a powerhouse jazz quintet from Lafayette, Colorado, known for their bold sound and captivating live performances. Featuring Brian Kauffman on drums, Tom Bartling on guitar, Tom Schreiber on trumpet, George Figgs on bass, and Doug Carmichael on tenor saxophone, the band brings together a stellar lineup of seasoned musicians, each contributing their own signature style to the group’s dynamic sound.
With a repertoire that spans classic jazz standards, funk-inspired covers, and soul-infused blues, the Cannon St. Groove Slayers are celebrated for their tight, high-energy grooves and deep, expressive solos.
Each member brings a unique background and influence to the ensemble: Brian’s driving rhythms lay down a rock-solid foundation; Tom B.’s guitar work adds lush harmonic textures; Tom S.’s trumpet lines are both powerful and lyrical; George’s bass provides the heartbeat that ties it all together, and Doug’s tenor saxophone melodies soar with an emotional intensity that’s unmistakable.
The Cannon St. Groove Slayers have earned a loyal following across Colorado’s jazz clubs and festivals. Their synergy on stage reflects years of camaraderie and mutual respect, with each performance an exciting exploration of both tradition and innovation in jazz.
Timmy and the Groove Defenders is a dynamic jazz trio from Colorado, blending Latin rhythms, soulful melodies, and smooth grooves to create a unique and captivating sound. The trio features Tim Carmichael on bass, Tudie Calderon on congas, and Doug Carmichael on tenor saxophone. Together, they deliver an energetic and rhythmically rich experience, with each musician bringing their own distinct flavor to the ensemble.
Tim’s bass lines lay down a steady, grooving foundation, giving the music both depth and drive. Tudie’s expert conga playing adds an infectious pulse, blending Latin and jazz influences to create an irresistible beat. Doug’s tenor saxophone, meanwhile, weaves melodic and emotive solos that soar above the rhythm section, creating a powerful and immersive soundscape.
Known for their playful chemistry and improvisational spirit, Timmy and the Groove Defenders perform a mix of jazz standards, Latin-inspired originals, and innovative reinterpretations of classics. The trio has become a local favorite, performing at clubs and festivals across Colorado and earning a dedicated following of jazz enthusiasts who come for the grooves and stay for the artistry.
Archie Funker is a funk, soul, and R-n-B band from Fort Collins that has been playing together since 2007. Think James Brown, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, The Blues Brothers, Tower of Power and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy all rolled into one! We give you a wall of sound with an “in your face” attitude. We funk it up with tunes you haven't heard in a while or versions of songs you just don’t hear from a horn band.
Some “hot licks with a funky twist” is what you’re in for.
We have funked out a variety of events leaving those in attendance with smiles on their faces and wanting more. Come to a show and get your fill of the funk!
John Mills started the JMO in Greeley in 2000, recording the group's first CD in 2003. While the musicians have changed over the years, John's commitment to producing high quality jazz music is unwavering. He arranges a considerable portion of the group's music, giving a fresh perspective to the timeless jazz standards you know and love. A graduate of the University of Nebraska's music program, and owner of The Trumpet Trader, John has been a fixture in the Greeley community for decades. He has amassed an extensive music library, enabling the JMO to perform for dances, special events, church services and concerts, fundraisers, and community celebrations.
The Crystal Swing Band was formed in 1988, under the direction of drummer Kristin Anderson-Bohan. Since then, the band has played hundreds of performances for all types of events.
The band features the finest professional musicians from the Boulder-Denver area. The size of the band can be varied to fit the type of event and budget, from a 13-piece big band to a 6-piece combo, to smaller groups of 3, 4 or 5-pieces. Whatever the size, the band plays swingin' music reminiscent of the big band era. They can also add waltzes, bossa novas, cha chas, rhumbas and other Latin styles for variety.