Austin Stewart is a drummer and composer based in Portland, OR. He grew up in Kansas City, beginning his journey studying music privately before entering kindergarten. He has studied percussion nearly all of his life, focusing on drum set, rudimental and orchestral techniques. His work behind the kit makes it all groove together with a focus on musicality and expression. He created the Austin Stewart Quartet as an outlet for his need to get funky and to showcase his abilities as a composer. Stewart graduated in 2002 from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and has studied with top artists like Kenwood Dennard (Maceo Parker, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter), Skip Happen (John Abercrombie, Lou Donaldson, Weather Report), Rick Considine (BB King, Michael Brecker, Jaco Pastorius, Eddie Gomez), Keith Kavanaugh (Doug Talley Quartet), singer/songwriter Livingston Taylor (James' brother), and Grammy award winning composer/arranger/bassist Richard Evans (Stan Getz, Ramsey Lewis, Jimmy Smith).
Mac Brown was the founding guitarist for Portland's original live hip hop group, Five Fingers of Funk. He's played some crazy shows, like opening for George Clinton, The Roots and a staple at the legendry Berbati's Pan. His sound is remarkable, often using his storytelling abilities to bring audiences along for the ride as he builds into soaring solos that always get you to the peak of a jam. With influences as diverse as the Grateful Dead, Grant Green and Wilco, Mac is a local legend and part of the fabric that makes up Stumptown.
Spencer Finnan performs with several funk, soul and hip-hop groups in Portland, Oregon, including his trio Space Case. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon's music program and teaches in the area. Spencer is one of those guys that can simply play anything. He is a chameleon of sorts with a wide variety of influences, and brings it all together whether he is holding down the harmony or ripping the killer organ solo that gets you pumping your fist.
Drew Nelson is the bassist for the critically acclaimed Vagabond Opera from Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate of Portland State University's music program and teaches in the area. Drew is the root of the band, often building the groove up from the bottom and leading everyone to where they need to go. His tasty chops and melodic lines are the foundation for the funk.
Mac Brown was the founding guitarist for Portland's original live hip hop group, Five Fingers of Funk. He's played some crazy shows, like opening for George Clinton, The Roots and a staple at the legendry Berbati's Pan. His sound is remarkable, often using his storytelling abilities to bring audiences along for the ride as he builds into soaring solos that always get you to the peak of a jam. With influences as diverse as the Grateful Dead, Grant Green and Wilco, Mac is a local legend and part of the fabric that makes up Stumptown.
Spencer Finnan performs with several funk, soul and hip-hop groups in Portland, Oregon, including his trio Space Case. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon's music program and teaches in the area. Spencer is one of those guys that can simply play anything. He is a chameleon of sorts with a wide variety of influences, and brings it all together whether he is holding down the harmony or ripping the killer organ solo that gets you pumping your fist.
Drew Nelson is the bassist for the critically acclaimed Vagabond Opera from Portland, Oregon. He is a graduate of Portland State University's music program and teaches in the area. Drew is the root of the band, often building the groove up from the bottom and leading everyone to where they need to go. His tasty chops and melodic lines are the foundation for the funk.