As veterans of a variety of roots music acts on the Chicago scene, the four members of Annalise and the Backsliders have a proven knack for bringing big-time fun to all their gigs. Most recently, as members of the storied Americana band Nobody Nobody Sent, they established a rabid Chicago following through their longtime residency at Wicker Park’s renowned performance establishment, Phyllis’ Musical Inn. By weaving varied musical strands of bluegrass, swing, blues, pop and honky-tonk into a unique personal tapestry, the group turns any event into joyful times and happy memories. Give a little listen:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzCP4JsTD1g

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qx-_48F_F0

Annalise and the Backsliders is:

Annalise Raziq. A professional actor and veteran of countless Chicago stage productions, Annalise combines her theatrical training with a spectacular singing voice and impressive musical skills. As the band’s leader and front person, she expertly oversees the creation of total fun at every event the band plays…and ensures a good time for all. Most recently, she has been a featured storyteller on NPR’s The Moth radio program and a winner of numerous storytelling events on Chicago stages.

Bob Huston. A near-legend on the Chicago scene, Bob has sung and played bass for many roots music groups over several decades, including the Sag Valley Boys, the Smokin’ Cattails, Nobody Nobody Sent, the Dimestore Bluegrass Band, the Noshers and many others. His skills as a witty and incisive songwriter bring an extra dimension of originality to the Annalise and the Backsliders repertoire. He is also well-known and appreciated as the organizer and leader of Chicago’s stellar Independence Park Bluegrass Jam Band.

Tim Schneckloth. As the band’s guitarist, Tim brings solid rhythm and jaw-dropping solos to the musical mix. While working as an editor at jazz magazine Down Beat in the 1970’s, he served as guitarist and lead vocalist for the semi-legendary Chicago rockabilly group the Tirebiters. He has also performed for many years as his alter ego Spud Puckett. As a vocalist in Annalise and the Backsliders, he brings an eclectic songbag to the band and a distinctive sound to the group’s tight three-part harmonies.

Pete Jannotta. A nimble-fingered fiddler and sometime vocalist, Pete has been one of the busiest instrumentalists on the Chicago scene for well over a decade. His stylistic skills range from toe-tapping gypsy jazz swing to red-hot versions of bluegrass and old-time fiddle tunes. No matter what the event, Pete injects the room with fun and energy every time he steps up to the microphone. By day, Pete is one of the leading colorists in Chicago’s video/film production industry.