Michael Matthes Obituary, Death – Michael Christopher Matthes, a Washington, DC musician died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 8, 2023, out of the blue. Michael was born in Washington, DC, on May 10, 1994. Michael went to Montgomery County Schools and graduated from Walter Johnson High School in 2012. He was on the WJ Crew Team while he was there. Before coming back to the DC Metro area, he went to school at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
In 2020, at the start of a global pandemic, he moved to New York City to live out his dream of becoming part of the art and social scene in Bushwick/Brooklyn. He quickly made this area his new home and focused on his art, music, and bartending at Talon Bar. Michael was a very talented person. He was a natural athlete who had never been scared to ski, snowboard, or play soccer. He was also creative his whole life.
He was a talented artist and a great musician. From a very young age, he was able to draw well, and as he went through school, he found his own style (most often during class and far too late at night). He made a lot of art and taught himself how to use different animation techniques. He wanted to work professionally as he worked with other artists. His portfolio was huge, and he was happy to share his skills with everyone.
He was also very into music. He listened to every style and genre he could get his hands on. He found inspiration everywhere, including on records and at a lot of live shows. He started wanting to perform when he was in middle school, and he has used his singing skills and his ability to play guitar and bass in many original bands, recordings, and projects.
He played at the Kennedy Center, the White House, Jammin’ Java, The Lincoln Theater, Union Stage, and a lot of other places while he was in the DC area. He thought of his fellow musicians as close family members, and he kept those ties until the end. He played video games and read comics a lot, which is how he met some of his best friends in real life.
Everyone who knew Michael will remember how funny he was and how quickly he could make friends with anyone, anywhere. Even though he didn’t do stand-up comedy very often, he was always ready with jokes and material, and his razor-sharp wit could light up a room in any situation. Michael may have been best known for how much he cared about his friends and family.
He was very loyal and cared deeply about everyone who came into his life. He felt most at peace when he was at the Delaware beaches with his friends and family, where he had many wonderful times.
Michael’s parents, Siobhan and Chris Matthes, his beloved brother Greg, and his grandparents, Jean Ahmad, Mary Matthes, and Michael Callahan (Judy), as well as many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over the country, will miss him very much.
Michael’s life will be remembered at a later date. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Michael’s name to the MusiCares Foundation: www.musicares.org