Michael Christopher Matthes

Michael Christopher Matthes left this world suddenly on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Michael was born on May 10, 1994, in Washington, DC. He attended Montgomery County Schools, graduating from Walter Johnson High School in 2012, where he was a member of the WJ Crew Team. He attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, before returning to the DC Metro area. In 2020, at the dawn of a global pandemic, he followed his dream of relocating to NYC to immerse himself in the noted art and social community of Bushwick/Brooklyn, a place that he quickly adopted as his new home, focusing on his art, music and bartending at Talon Bar.

Michael was an immensely talented individual: He was a natural athlete - a lifelong skier/snowboarder and soccer player who never knew fear. He also fostered a creative spirit his entire life - he was a gifted artist and accomplished musician. From a very early age, his drawing skills became apparent, and through his school years, he developed his unique style (most often during class and far too late at night). He was an incredibly prolific artist, and taught himself various animation protocols and aspired to work professionally as he collaborated with other artists. His portfolio was immense, and he generously shared his talents with the world. He immersed himself in music as well, devouring every style and genre he could absorb, finding inspiration everywhere, on record and at countless live shows. His love for performing began while in middle school, and he combined his vocal talents and guitar and bass prowess in many original bands, recordings and projects. While in the DC area, he performed at numerous venues from the Kennedy Center and the White House to Jammin' Java, The Lincoln Theater and Union Stage, and so many more. He considered his musical compadres close family members, bonds he maintained until the end. He was an avid gamer and comic fan, out of which he cultivated some of his closest real-life personal relationships.

Everybody who knew Michael will remember his incredible sense of humor and ability to make instant friends with anyone, at any time. Although he rarely performed his stand-up comedy, he had volumes of jokes and material at the ready, and his razor-sharp wit was always front and center to light up a room, no matter the situation. Perhaps Michael's greatest attribute above all else was his deep love for friends and family. He was fiercely loyal, and truly cared for everybody that touched his life. He was most often at peace with friends and family at the Delaware beaches, where he spent many wonderful times.

Michael is survived by and is deeply missed by his parents, Siobhan and Chris Matthes, beloved brother Greg, and grandparents, Jean Ahmad, Mary Matthes and Michael Callahan (Judy), along with dear aunts, uncles and cousins across the Country.

A celebration of Michael's life will take place at a later date, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in honor of Michael to the MusiCares Foundation:

www.musicares.org

3030 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404-5073

(800) 687-4227

https://www.musicares.org/?form=donate