The Special Purpose was a jazz/funk fusion band from Seattle, Washington. Formed in the summer of 2004, the group - consisting of John Fawcett (drums), Stephen Fogg (8-string guitar), Christopher Stefanile (guitar) and Tim Symons (keyboards)-- became one of the Pacific Northwest's premier grassroots musical acts. The band's name was a reference to the 1979 cult comedy classic, The Jerk, starring Steve Martin. The Special Purpose allowed the audio recording and free distribution of their live performances.[1] The group stopped playing shows together in 2011. Three of the band's members continue to perform together as the Jazz trio, Fawcett Symons & Fogg.[2]