Moonstone Riders
Welcome to the twangy world of swampy psychedelic funk.
Talk about crossing genre lines—from funk, country, and original compositions, to improvisational jams and classic rock. The name Moonstone Riders reflects the Florida-based band's homage to the state gem, the moonstone, to which they added "Riders" to commemorate their signature "swampy psychedelic country funk" sound.
The 2026 lineup includes band originals Matt Benfield on guitar and vocals, Marcia Winslow on vocals and percussion, along with Matt Baxley on keyboards and vocals (and sometimes drums), Jeffrey James on bass and vocals, and Frank Lewis on drums.
The energy escalates as the players ride the wave of an impassioned jam, integrating their sound with the psychic vibrations of original tracks. The band pivots seamlessly from their reggae-laced cover of "Walking On The Moon"—which beautifully evokes a zero-gravity feel—straight into deeply inspired, energetic psychedelic funk jams that deliver an infectious, country-tinged twang. Performing in NASA-looking jumpsuits, complete with moonwalking bubble helmets, the band is known for its lively delivery of unique covers, which often end up as extended improvisational jams, balanced with an array of creative originals.
