The Little Green Men is comprised of Jude Wolfe (keyboard, and vocals); Evan Harries (guitar and vocals), Jocelyn Goodwin (tenor saxophone and vocals), Jack Stefanoni (drums and percussion), Gavin Burdette (bass), Joe Lancaster (trumpet and percussion), and Peyton Winnett (baritone saxophone).
Their first gig: playing on the steps of Russ Hall for a fundraiser by the Student Government Association in October 2023. They began getting contracted by the university and other groups to play jazz, Christmas music, and more, then scheduled their first independent gigs at Root Coffeehouse and TJ Lelands.
By January 2025, they began recording songs in a spare bedroom a few blocks from campus using only four microphones and a borrowed audio interface. The process relied on recording most tracks live, with most members playing together in one room.
The band members have played together in several university ensembles, including Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, the SEK Symphony, and the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, which gave them a chance to develop their chemistry and comradery.
Taking on gigs at bars and art festivals in Joplin and Pittsburg, at GoPittFest, and at the U-Club in the lower level of the Overman Student Center on campus, they developed their sound around live performances — often workshopping in new songs on stage before recording them.
By October, the album was ready. The result: ““Unidentified Funky Object” (UFO), now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Bandcamp.
The album’s cover art was hand painted by Harries, an Art major, who also composed about a third of the tunes. Wolfe composed about two-thirds of the tunes.
Wolfe produced, mixed, mastered, and engineered the album, with some assistance from Sachio Nang, the only non-Pitt State student involved.
“Most of what's on the album we've been performing for a couple years at this point,” Wolfe said. “I feel strongly that listening to the album is a studio interpretation of what you'll hear in an LGM show. It's very faithful to our live vibe with the added benefit of studio production.”
The recordings blend elements of funk and jazz fusion with a touch of rock, highlighting the distinct sound the group has worked to develop.
Each member contributes a distinct influence that shapes the group’s overall sound.
“Being able to work with the other members of the band is the thing I'm most proud of,” said Wolfe. “I've wanted to create an album for years, but I never envisioned I'd get to make one this ambitious with so many cool people. We appreciate each other and respect each other, and I'm glad we finally got to capture it on a recording and put it on streaming platforms for all to listen to.”
Their next performance is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 in the U-Club at the Overman Student Center.
Story and Photos by Kaylee Dillow | Student Communication Intern