Featuring the horn section that toured with Phish and the Trey Anastiasio Band. The Grippo Funk Band strives to bring a concert energy to private functions and weddings!

“Although we’re all veterans of traditional wedding bands,” says bassist/lead vocalist Aaron Hersey, “ with this band we treat weddings like little concerts. But unlike our club dates, weddings give us the opportunity to interact more with the audience and to tailor our presentation for the date. We’re willing to learn a specific song or two if requested. And of course it’s always fun to play things like jazz, swing, ballads and mardi gras music that might not go over so well on a Friday night downtown.”

Alto saxophonist Dave Grippo, an alumnus of Phish ’s Giant Country Horns and the Trey Anastasio Band adds: “ We’re happy to play mainstream wedding dates, but it seems like we ’re a better fit with crowds who want to get formalities out of the way early and start dancing.”

The Grippo Funk Band is rounded out with Bruce Sklar on piano and organ. Sklar, who hails from Boston’s jazz scene, toured with Sonny Stitt before moving to Vermont 25 years ago.

Drummer Russ Lawton, another Boston transplant, also toured with the Trey Anastasio Band, while Dave Diamond, whom Grippo describes as “ a young lion; a fantastic rhythm guitar player ” is featured on guitar.

Finally, Andy Moroz, another Trey Anastasio veteran, plays trombone.
Says Grippo: “At our club dates, we use a big band - often with ten or more pieces - including a four piece horn section, a DJ and yes, even rappers, but the pared down six piece version is most popular for weddings and parties.”