The Band
Harmonic FunKtion is a funk fusion band from Gunnison, Colorado, formed in the spring of 2024. The concept is rooted in creating original music with inspirational grooves and performing eclectic covers with tight vocal harmonies that are perfect for dancing and listening enjoyment.
Founding members, keyboardist Frank Mangum (from popular local bands including MILLK and 100 Mile House) and guitarist Dave Fisher (formerly with Skylar Nimbus and Confluence Band), bring decades of combined experience and began the songwriting process together. They soon joined forces with drummer and kayaking legend Josh Young and bassist Caleb Roach, whose funky grooves laid the foundation for the band’s original sound.
Next, keyboardist and guitarist Maggie Leslie added a fresh style of songwriting and an exceptional level of talent to the mix. Then, the small Colorado mountain town delivered a valuable all-state trumpet player in Ariston Awitan IV which added to our funk sound. Finally, vocalist Sofija Andrew joined the band, bringing tasteful and powerful vocals and harmonies that elevated the group into an exciting live act capable of creating lasting memories at any event.
Harmonic Funktion is dedicated to writing, recording, and performing tight, crisp funk fusion music, always with a focus on originality, groove, and good times. We’re available for your wedding, festival, and other local gigging establishments!
Frank Mangum
After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from North Carolina State University in 1990, Frank Mangum moved to Crested Butte, Colorado with only his clothes and his keyboard.
Since that time, Frank has played with notable local bands including 100 Mile House, Hot Soup, the Frequencies, the Nomads, Gunnison Bluegrass Collective, and MILK.
Now with Harmonic Funktion, Frank is enjoying the freedom of musical expression through songwriting in a prolific collaborative project.
Keyboards, Vocals
Dave Fisher
Dave retired from a federal water engineering career after 37 years, and has been playing electric and acoustic guitar, and bass for over 50 years. He started in an original band in college with his best friend and has come full circle to contributing to the original songs in Harmonic FunKtion. He had a 10-year stint in the Denver area with a Latin rock band that had a great influence on his playing and played for decades at various churches. He is a gear guy, so feel free to ask about his pedal board, guitar, or amp when you run into him.
Guitars, Vocals
VocalsSofija Andrew
Sofija is a born and raised Coloradan, happy to call Gunnison home and work in residential architecture here. When she isn’t at the office, you can find her running, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, or any other typical mountain activity outside. She is grateful to play music alongside such talented & wonderful friends, both in Harmonic FunKtion and at church on Sundays.
Caleb Roach
Bass Guitar, Vocals
Ariston Awitan
Trumpet, Vocals
Ariston Awitan IV picked up the trumpet in 6th grade, aspiring to follow in his father’s footsteps as a trumpet player. Continuing his studies throughout grade school and college, Ariston has playing in both jazz and concert settings, earning top scores in big band and solo competitions. He took a three year hiatus from trumpet, and ultimately landed a spot in Harmonic FunKtion, his first live performing band experience. When he’s not playing his horn, you may find him at the skatepark, at the local coffee shop, on a mountain, or at home with his wife and three kittens.
Drums and PercussionJosh Young
Maggie Leslie
Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
Maggie Leslie started writing songs as a kid, but didn't write one she liked till she was like 35. She's written a handful of pretty good songs now. Her music tends to fall squarely in the keyboard-heavy funk-blues-jazz-pop zone, with lyrics that she has to really toil at. She has studied many different musical traditions that have influenced her work, including classical, rock 'n' roll, hip-hop, Latin jazz, and a little bit of the really weird stuff. She hopes you enjoy it.