Jessi Fredeen Vocals, guitars, keyboards, squeezebox Founding Member (May 2005)
Jessi can’t remember a time when performing and music have not been an integral part of her life. She was born shortly after her parents finished a gig one night and hasn’t left the stage ever since. Her childhood was spent in school choirs and local theatre productions; her college years spent at Abilene Christian University, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre. After that, she found her passion in writing, establishing herself as a solo artist, during which time she recorded her first original album “Jessmerized”, and opened for world renowned 70’s icon Richie Havens. In 2004, she met Jared Fredeen and began working together to create a unique and highly entertaining catalogue of original music combining Jessi’s strong musical theatre background and Jared’s heavy rock style. In 2005, they formed Champagne Sunday and shortly thereafter began dating. Their romance was thought by many to be hazardous to the success of the band, but Jessi and Jared’s relationship has not only strengthened the band but has also held it together in the face of much adversity. “It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. After 7 years, it’s still a job I get excited about going to every day. Not many people can say that.”
     
Jared Fredeen Vocals, lead guitars, keyboards, trombone Founding member (May 2005)
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Jared had been in bands since the age of fifteen, influenced heavily by the Seattle grunge movement of the early 90’s. In 2003, he moved to Ventura, California with the lead guitarist of his band to seek out a different audience for their music. It was there, as his project was slowly falling apart and he had taken to performing solo acoustic gigs, that he was introduced to Jessi Fredeen (then, Jessi Reems-Terrell), whose band was also disintegrating. After much pressure from their friends and fans, the two were convinced they should work together and started Champagne Sunday in 2005 with the remaining members of each of their groups. As a songwriter, Jared has penned several crowd favorites and collaborated on several more with Jessi. In late 2006, with the departure of their lead guitarist, Jared stepped up and took over the lead guitar duties, learning as he went and developing a style that has been described as a mix between John Lennon and David Gilmore.
     
Tony Shibumi Bass, vocals Joined April 2009
Tony Shibumi’s musical background ranges from national to international venues; from studio musician to music producer. His credits list from Micheal Jackson to Buddy Guy; from Warner Brothers Records to EMI Music Group. Born in Washington D.C. Tony moved to California with his grandparents at a young age, and took music seriously in high school as a drummer before moving to bass. As a bassist in the Heavy Metal/Hard Rock scene Tony decided to expand his musical talents into other genres after spending three years in a private school for production. Now his versatility in many genres allows him to organize well thought-out bass lines to compliment the writing and arrangements of Champagne Sunday.
     
Matt Gay Drums, percussion, vocals Joined August 2008
The backbone of the group since 2008, Matt still plays on the same drum set that was first given to him at the age of six by his uncle (Dick Gay, drummer for Clint Black). Matt was first introduced to Champagne Sunday as a prospective drummer at the age of fifteen, but wanted to finish High School before launching into a career in music. Shortly after graduation, he pursued the band relentlessly until he was granted an audition, during which the eighteen-year-old Ojai, CA native impressed the band with his versatility, sensitivity, and drive. With musical influences ranging from modern and classic rock to trance and metal, Matt brings a fresh and unique perspective to the music.