Based in Tallahassee, Florida, and founded by Michael Lewis (Mike), The Funky ‘Taters are a group of musicians gathered together to funkify the atmosphere with bouncin' grooves. The ‘Taters have existed in different mutations since their formation in 2013. Today, they are a ten-piece band with horns that plays danceable funk, jazz, Caribbean styles and blues, with an emphasis on groovy, danceable rhythms. They are led by Mike Lewis, who first began composing songs in 1990. The ‘Taters often invite guest vocalist, Lili Forbes, to join them on stage for festivals.  Forbes, along with her twin sister from St. Maarten, have been singing together since they were 12 years old. Growing up with the folk musical traditions of the Caribbean, they soon became expert in many Caribbean rhythms, including gospel, when they toured the islands as teenagers. Today, they have their own separate musical careers but often compose songs together.  Forbes, who now lives in Tallahassee, and Lewis, also from Tallahassee, first came together for a performance at the International Jazz Plaza Festival in Havana, Cuba, in 2019, where they played their original songs. They have been invited back to Havana many times and also have been playing together for special occasions like the city’s July 4th celebrations, the Florida Folk Festival, Bainbridge’s Mardi Gras, Tallahassee’s Word of South Festival, and more.

Current members include:

Tom Buchanan, trumpet

Jan DeCosmo, hand percussion, vocals

D’Arthur Godwin, electric bass

Jordan Green, drums

Joel Johnson, lead guitar

Bill Landing, alto sax

Michael Lewis, rhythym guitar, vocals

Deanna Miller, vocals

Christopher Seepersaud, lead guitar, keyboard

Woodson Touloute, sax

Past members and guest artists include:

Rene Arbogast, trumpet

Ben Banks, lead guitar, electric bass

Scotty Barnhart, trumpet

Pat Crotty, vocals

Jim Crozier, bass

Logan Firth, drums

Lili Forbes, vocals

Brett Gardner, lead guitar

Ken Gemmer, lead guitar, vocals

Anthony Giles, drums

Ilismo Johnson, vocals

Sam Johnson, electric bass

Yazid Johnson, congas

Frank Jones, lead guitar

Sage Khan, trumpet

Tom Longfellow, sax

Michael McKenzie, trumpet

Reo Morris, drums

Longineu Parsons, trumpet

Kaye Rhinehart, bass, vocals

Vonzel Reynolds, vocals

Zee Sawyer, djembe

Chris Skene, lead guitar

Robert Smith, trumbone

Mike Stone, drums

Britt Widener, vocals

Ksena Zipperer, vocals