Canasta

A six-piece orchestral pop outfit hailing from Chicago, IL, Canasta formed in 2002. In 2003, the group -- Jeremy Beckford (guitar and vocals), Matt Priest (vocals, bass, trombone, percussion), Kyle Mann (piano and vocals), Ian Wilson (keyboards and vocals), Elizabeth Lindau (vocals and violin), and Josh Lava on drums -- released their first EP, Find the Time. The work won quick critical applause -- from such noted writers as Jim DeRogatis, to name one -- and earned the group a "best unsigned band" mention in a city paper. The buzz created by the band soon led to a licensing deal with local indie stalwart label Minty Fresh. In 2005, Canasta released their first full-length album, We Were Set Up, which was produced by Ted Cho. During recordings for album number two, Canasta kept expectations high -- and their names in the papers -- by releasing a remix album of their first album. Featuring work by members of local groups like OFFiCE and the Hood Internet, We Were Mixed Up was released in 2008. ~ Chris True