When did getting “mixed up” up become a good thing? The second you downloaded the first track from the new Canasta remix album We Were Mixed Up, that’s when! (catchy title, right? right?) Your favorite tracks have been thrown into the blenders of some of Chicago’s most talented artists. We’ve got members of OFFICE, The Hood Internet, Allá, Brighton MA, The Fake Fictions and others throwing new faces on classic Canasta gems. And best of all, the entire thing can be downloaded or streamed absolutely free of charge on our Audio Page! Just one small way to show our appreciation for all the support you have given us over the years.

To celebrate, we will be having a release show at the Beat Kitchen on March 1^st. We will be joined by the uber fantastic groups The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and Otter Petter. The show will also give us the Chicago debut of our new pianist, Josh Schnable. Josh has been working feverishly at perfecting his Canasta swagger and definitely adds a new element to the band’s sound. As an added bonus, we will be giving away a limited edition Canasta flashdrive filled with our entire catalogue, a few live tracks, and a special flashdrive only song! Grab your friends and slightly soaked dance shoes and join us for a night of boogie down terrificness!

2008 is a off to a huge start for us. Coming fresh off the Obama fundraiser and a sold out Schubas show, Canasta was featured as “artist of the week” on Breakthru Radio. The show featured an exclusive concert and interview, live from Memphis. And this Friday, we'll be hitting the road again, in support of the remix album! We’ll also be bringing along the limited edition Canasta flashdrives to give away. So if we’re in your neck of the woods, please come on out! More to come in ‘08, so stay tuned! (what a tease…)

So I was watching the news the other night and I swear I saw members of Canasta flashing behind Barack Obama’s head. Too much holiday nog (is that possible)? You were not hallucinating, at least for that newscast. December has been a huge month for the Canasta crew. The marquee on the Riv summed it up: “Obama Rocks”. Canasta got the party going in a big way December 7^th as we opened the all-star benefit concert at the legendary Riviera Theater for Chicago’s very own Barack Obama. The evening saw a mass of talent on the stage: Jill Sobule, Macy Gray, The Changes (who actually backed Macy. Yes, I said backed, as in backing band. They threw the funk down), 3rd Eye Blind, an amazing headlining set by our heroes, Wilco, and Obama himself gave an impassioned speech to the packed house. Canasta could not have been more honored to play at such an inspiring event.

The very next week found Canasta at one of the city’s finest venues, Schubas, playing to a sold out crowd. Forty-five minutes of block rocking beats got Schubas’ floors bouncing before the New Amsterdams took over and kept it on and on into the midnight hour.

After all that commotion you’d think we’d be taking a holiday breather. Not so fast. Music writing continues to be the band’s focus and as we move into the new year we’re finalizing gems for the new album. The sound of Canasta continues to grow in a way that’s got fuse boxes blowing like no other. The band cannot wait to share this new batch with you in the new year. Catch us live to hear what we’re feeling.

Outside of Chicago and feeling the Canasta itch? We’ve definitely got the touring itch and we’re scratching in a big way. Keep an eye on the site as we finalize plans for getting around the US in the first half of ’08. And that’s just a tease.

We wish to thank everyone who has supported us in 2007. Many new friends were made this year as the Canasta family continues to grow. You all mean the world to us. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Xoxo, Canasta

2008 — Year of the Fakeout

Orange leaves, hibernating bears, and 80 degree afternoons, there’s nothing like fall in Chicago. As the bears head for the caves, Canasta emerges from its writing cocoon to rock you like a tropical storm (cause hurricanes are sooooo 2005). After a productive writing retreat and many evenings in sweaty basements, we’re well on our way to completing the writing of the new album. Springtime should see the fruits of our labor ripen into a sweet CD in your frostbitten hands. Two of the newest songs popped up during Canasta’s well received CHIRP benefit at Double Door this past August and many more are on the way. Got you salivating yet? If not, how about an opening slot with Imperial Teen, featuring former Faith No More soundscapist Roddy Bottum this week? Their latest release is receiving rave reviews and has too much infectious pop to pass up.

Been missing Canasta outside of Chicago? Kalamazoo is the answer for you. Catch the former KZoo grads at the infamous Bell’s Brewery in mid October as they kick off Kalamazoo’s Class of ‘97 Reunion festivities. Bring along some extra cash and pick up the super exclusive Canasta t-shirt before they’re all gone. We’ve also got another great addition to our schedule, playing with ultra cool Eleventh Dream Day at SubT. Be sure to catch one of these great bills, as we will be going into hiding again to complete this album that we are so excited to finish and serve fresh. Cheers!

UPDATE -
Our Double Door benefit show on August 10^th has a new beneficiary, The Chicago Independent Radio Project. WLUW has been abruptly reclaimed by Loyola (it was being managed by WBEZ) and is no longer eligible for donations. So the undaunted and undefatigable Shawn Campbell has started the ball rolling on The Chicago Independant Radio Project as a Not For Profit community radio station to replace WLUW. “The Chicago Independent Radio Project (Chicago Indie Radio) will work toward securing a Low Power FM radio license for Chicago, should new licenses become available. Currently, bills have been introduced in both Houses of Congress that would allow for new frequencies to be granted in urban areas. […] Should new LPFM licenses not be granted in Chicago, CHIRP will donate the funds raised to the Prometheus Radio Project.”

That’s all we know for now. We’ll keep you updated as we are. Thanks.

Oh, the call of Indiana! The corn, the Skyway … the corn.

In July Canasta returns to Elizabeth’s hometown of Crown Point, Indiana, for a weekend of songwriting. Who knows what new favorites could be borne (or born?) out of 72 hours trapped together in a farmhouse with pizza and beer? We hear that the farm features a baby grand piano and ATVs … we’re not letting John anywhere near the latter, so don’t be too concerned.

Coming up on the horizon is a show to benefit Chicago’s finest independent music station, WLUW. They’ve featured our songs numerous times (I’ve personally experienced getting ready to go out on a Saturday night, listening to the station, and being surprised to hear a very deep cut of “All This Dust” playing in the background). So we’re happy to have the chance to give back what we can.

We’ll also be hitting the road for some tour dates with Minty Fresh rabble-rousers Ezra Furman & the Harpoons. So far Indianapolis and Detroit are scheduled. Check out the sidebar for the latest confirmed dates.

Now that I think about it, the Skyway is in Illinois, no?

Ahhh, spring time in Chicago. Cleansing rain, warmer days, and new growth. Canasta is definitely feeling the effects as well. This month sees the addition of a new seed in the Canasta soil. Yes, Brendan Byrnes has unfortunately uprooted himself to concentrate on his real estate empire. But fear not, his other band, Volume is Color, will still be creating music and thriving throughout Chicago. We wish Brendan the absolute best, and he will be missed. Fortunately, our silver lining blings in the form of a new guitarist, Jeremy Beckford. He comes to us from El Paso, TX, not far from the church where Uma Thurman was “Bang, Bang, shot down by her baby”. Jeremy has been turning heads in the experimental / indie scene throughout the Southwest and brings another dimension to Canasta’s ever growing sound and energy. We cannot wait to unveil him this Friday for his debut at the Beat Kitchen.

What’s that you say? You cannot help but crave an image to compliment that oh so catchy single, Microphone Song? Fear not, the video has been completed and can be found here for your visual and auditory pleasure. Check out the Canasta Channel for more A/V goodness.

Top secret planning is currently under way as Canasta prepares their summer tour schedule. Keep your card decks at the ready and an eye on that inbox to see when Canasta will be coming to a city near you. Oh, the anticipation! To hold you over, we'll have new Canasta t-shirts available for the fashionably and anti-fashionable conscious at this Friday’s show, just in time for t-shirt season. So stuff those winter coats under your beds, take a late evening stroll, and hug a tree, Earth Day’s coming!!

Thinking of you all fondly,
xoxo Canasta

The biggest news this month is also the saddest. After nearly five years of playing with Canasta, Megan O’Connor has called it quits. Her farewell show was our sold out Schubas gig last week with Annuals. She’s leaving the band to focus her efforts on so-called “social work.” Whatever… is there any greater gift one can give of oneself than rock n’ roll? OMG, I’m so kidding! We have no doubts that Megan will be a huge asset to those in need and she’ll be sorely missed by both the band and our listeners.

The silver lining, you ask? Charlie Williams of Mira Mira has opted to take her spot. And it just so happens that he rules. Look for him to make his debut this month. And onward we march!

Most likely to quit next? My money’s on Elizabeth Lindau… seeing as how she’s all famous and everything now. Or hadn’t you heard? Elizabeth was one of three guests last week on WTTW’s “Check, Please!”. She selected Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. Throughout the course of the program, I believe they referred to Elizabeth as a “rock star” on three separate occasions. Is it possible that she played up Canasta’s popularity a bit for the sake of the show? You bet your sweet petunias it is.

In other news, Canasta’s also been receiving some recent love courtesy of the fine folks at National Public Radio, on both “World Cafe” and “Open Mic”… which is really convenient, cuz we’re always listening to NPR anyway. So it’s been possible to bask in our own glory without ever even changing the radio station. Nice.

Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement on all sorts of crazy stuff, including new t-shirts (finally), the “Microphone Song” music video (say what?) and more tourdates. Thanks for listening. Love you like a milkshake.

Another year has passed and we want to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm this time around. We are very grateful!

New Canasta songs are on the way for 2007! We recently began work on a new batch of tunes that are further pushing the boundaries of the Canasta sound (we have a sound, right?). More pop, more chamber, and more “tambo” hopefully, ‘cause I don’t think we have a cowbell…

In order to start fresh and brainstorm on new ideas, we took some time off and retreated to a small cottage in Indiana. The salmon and seafoam colored rooms, creepy shed in the backyard, and “evidence” of mice made it a very, um… inspiring place to write music. It was perfect. We left with plenty of song nuggets: chord progressions, melodies, and lyrics that will eventually become Canasta songs. So, we’re chipping away… the next album is starting to take shape. We’ll keep you all posted. Happy 2007 everyone — we’ll see you soon!

He was Super Bad, Felt Good, and was a Sex Machine, in A Man's World.
It's Christmas in Heaven for James Brown, R.I.P.

News, news, news. New songs, new tour dates, and new Borat impressions (well, maybe just Colin — but it’s pretty good “Yakshemash!”). Not to mention the T-shirts that will be available soon. We’ve been busy. CMJ in New York was immediately followed by a great show with Voxtrot at Empty Bottle in early November. We also had a blast playing with Bound Stems and Rahim at The Note — but the big news is our December 8th show at Metro with The Dears and Young Galaxy. This show will kick off our December Midwest tour (the dates are listed to your left in the “On Tour” section) and we are hoping to be the first band to tour in a car won on “The Price is Right.” The car has already been won… how rock and roll would that be? We don’t actually know the answer to that question, but we know what Bob Barker would think.

Our hot new (and quite danceable) song called “Mexico City” is taking our mind off of the freezing temperatures in our rehearsal space and we have a few more tunes in the works too. They should be ready for performance very soon and we’re very excited to unveil them — just a little more tweaking… Please keep checking back for new photo sets, a music video, and new show dates — all of which are coming soon. We’ll see you at Metro and on the road!

Another season has passed, so it’s time for some news and a summer wrap–up.

Our biggest news is our constitution. The changing of the seasons echoes the changing of the guard here in Canastaland. We say goodbye to Ben Imdieke, our excellent and energized guitar player of nigh upon two years. Ben heads off to seminary this fall. We wish him the very best in his post–Canasta endeavors.

In related news, we’re happy to say that we have a new 6^th member: Brendan Byrnes. We met with many talented guitarists during our search, but Brendan blew us away with his talent and creativity, and we were delighted when he agreed to join the band. We can’t wait to unveil him as literally as we can on stage around Halloween.

And as a brief summer recap: We played twice with the fantastic and galvanizing DeVotchKa, once in Madison and again here in Chicago. We played some fun, unconventional shows around the city (The Apple Store, The iO Theater, Ribfest), and on Father’s Day we performed at the CMJ Rock Hall Music Fest at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The latter was apparently newsworthy — here's a video of a Canasta interview and performance from that morning in Ohio.

Our own video is still in the works, so keep it tuned to the Canasta Channel for all the latest. Don’t touch that dial.