Backyard

Backyard is a unique group featuring dualing veteran guitar slingers, tight rhythms, unique melodies and superb vocals. The original music is a mix of rock and blues, with just a twist of country blended in. This blend of styles gives the band a distinction and a signature sound of its own, and one that you will remember.

Headquartered in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois since 1999, Backyard has played at many, many festivals, casinos, clubs, political benefits, and private parties throughout the years.

Featuring:

Angel B. -- Lead Vocals

Angel has over 25 years of experience singing. She has been in several bands ranging from classic rock, Christian rock, blues, and gospel. She loves performing, but mostly, she loves making a difference in someone when she sings.
"A glimmer of hope, or a thought of the past, or even tears.....that's what keeps me going", she says. She wants people to be "moved" by her music. Her entertainment style is well-versed too!

She has stepped atop of tables, adorned boas and wigs, played percussion instruments and loves to have a great time with the crowd. The passion she has for music can be seen clearly as she puts her heart and soul into her low-toned replicas of some of the greats like Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, and many many originals.

Entertainment will not be in short supply if you come listen to her and allow her to draw you into the music.

Peter Maccaro -- Lead Vocals and Keyboards

Weaned on rock and roll is an understatement for Peter. Being born into the festering frenzy of the Beatle-mania era, with rabid fan sisters who ground up 45’s and mixed it into his baby formula, he never had a chance. Peter excelled in music early on, consistently receiving scholarships to study at the university level while still in middle school. By the time high school hit, he was playing in multiple bands including Snowblind and The Pedestrians, singing and playing keyboards at some of the top venues in the Aspen Colorado area.

After school, Peter relocated to Boulder and joined The March, a full time job that took him all over the country opening for major recording acts. It was then on to Chicago to play with bands like Rigid Digit, Glue, Delta-9 Project and others.

Always looking to expand his skill sets, Peter decided to open D9 Recording Studio with long time friend and band mate Eddie Matthews, giving him experience with engineering and production. It was through the studio that he would meet future collaborators and form bands like The Bumpin’ Uglies and Burning Incense which toured Europe playing a lot of the same stages as The Beatles! How cool is that?

Although Peter and Art Miller had been friends for a long time prior to the studio opening, Backyard was an early client and a musical kinship was forged. It wasn’t long before both Eddie and Peter had joined forces with Art and Backyard.

Eddie Matthews - Lead Guitar

From the tender age of ten years old, Eddie Matthews knew that music would be a part of his life. Even if it was only just jamming with the family at the annual Christmas gathering.

Following along with his Uncle Ray (who inspired the song of the same name) and his "cuz" Ken, playing old 1950's & 60's standards, little Ed caught on quickly and immediately impressed the other members of his musical family. "Did you bring your guitar?" was the question most asked of him at family gatherings.

For several years he kicked around the windy city, playing in venues such as The Thirsty Whale, Brat Stop, Rusty Nail, Edgewater, Fat Rat's Tap and many, many others.

Art Miller - Bass Guitar

Art was born in Escanaba, Michigan in the Great White North. He was exposed to music at a very young age, as both sides of his family had musicians and singers. The first time he heard his uncles and aunts playing guitar together, he was hooked. Growing up in the country, his music influences included Hank Williams, Sr., Little Jimmy Rogers, and various other country artists.

Full Bios available at www.newbackyard.net