About the Men Singing Carols

We're so glad to meet you.

About The Men Singing Carols

Men Singing Carols was formed in 2013 by Greg Kefalas and Jen Arvay Kefalas, the husband-and-wife team behind New York Holiday Singers, Inc., along with associate producer Doug Cordes. New York Holiday Singers, Inc. previously launched the wildly successful New York Holiday Choristers in 2011 and invented a whole new genre of holiday entertainment, true vocal jazz meets acappella, with the premium & contemporary holiday a cappella entertainment ensemble The New York Holiday Singers, launched in 2009.

When Greg & Doug thought back to some of their favorite vocal ensembles over the years, and after talking to some of our friends & performers, we realized that we all missed singing in a fun, charming men's acappella chorus. And, after looking at the holiday vocal entertainment landscape in New York City, we realized that there was a place for a contemporary men's ensemble, especially since we could take advantage of efficiencies we'd pioneered in the industry with our other groups. And, we knew we wanted a group that could be fun while remaining sophisticated… no barbershop quartets, no porkpie hats, Victorian outfits, or other costumes, but rather a cool, charming, sleek style that was properly "New York."

So, we formed Men Singing Carols, and Greg got to work hand-crafting our sound, while he, Doug & our first Men crafted our look!

Our amazing and talented Men come from all walks of music & theater, and have all been with us for years. It takes that level of skill to perform in our trios. What do they all have in common? They're all tremendous performers, and just like Greg and Jen, they love the holidays.

Meet the Men Singing Carols

Here are New York City's coolest, jazziest professional carolers. a picture for more.

Greg Kefalas Founder Musical, Creative & Technical Director / Bass

Meet Greg Kefalas, our fearless leader, Musical Director/Arranger and Bass. A Northeast Ohio native, Greg moved to NYC for love. Greg's reputation as an expert in holiday season traditions and history has led to interviews on television and radio, and was covered in CBS Sunday Morning's 2014 profile of our company… and has recently led him to be the self-styled "President of Christmas," and thanking the patience of NYHS, Inc.'s Executive Director and his wife, Jen Arvay.

When he's not running his strategy & digital consultancy Mattermind, or composing / arranging / performing with / designing / shooting pictures & video for the vocal groups he helps run, Greg is an avid songwriter & producer, most recently launching the concept project Conspiracy of Violet. He's also a technology buff, amateur chef, and has a love of both delicious coffee and deep winter — as well as cigars & pipes, fine whiskies of many sorts, and Tolkien. Greg and his wife Jen have lived in their Astoria, NY apartment for 12 years, along with their two neurotic cats, and he hopes to sing for you and yours this holiday season.

Jeffrey Funaro Founding Member / twelve Year Club Director, Sales & Marketing / Tenor II

Meet Jeffrey Funaro, Tenor II. Originally from a hamlet north of New York City, Jeff spends his days analyzing financial jargon and his evenings & weekends as an avid stage performer & singer. Jeff enjoys history, especially the WWI era, and his love of the New York City subway system manifests in his goal to swipe through every station in the city. He's 95% of the way there! Maybe he can swipe through a new station on his way to sing for you this holiday season as a part of Men Singing Carols and the New York Holiday Choristers? Visit his website at http://www.jeffreyfunaro.com.

Patrick Martini seven Year Club Bass

Meet Patrick Martini, the Bass with tenor dreams. Originally from the Jersey shore, Patrick is far more likely to jam out to a Broadway cast album than to hang out with Snooki, but anything can happen. When not singing really low notes, he can be found trying to sing really high notes. Patrick is a BFA graduate from NYU Tisch and has acted professionally on both stage and screen, but has a deeply rooted affection for choral and a cappella music and is beyond thrilled to spend another holiday season with Men Singing Carols. www.patrickmartininyc.com