User:Matt Barber (singer)/sandbox

Matt Barber (born March 10, 1987) is an American Singer and Entertainer. His music has been classified as Easy Listening with Jazz and Pop influences.

Barber was born in Peoria, IL and grew up in in the Quad Cities attending Rock Island High School before heading to Los Angeles, California and touring full time at age 18.

Mr. Barber’s non-stop touring schedule has taken him from Branson to L.A, New York to Florida – performing an average of 300 concerts a year since 2005, and released his 10 year anniversary album in 2015, "More Today Than Yesterday" as a tribute to his dad, Mark Barber who passed away June 27, 2013.

Matt has had had the honor of performing at notable venues in the U.S. including The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, Andy Williams’ Moon River Grill Restaurant in Branson, MO as well as the Illinois State Fair and Heart of Illinois Fair in his home state. Matt has performed nationally at festivals, wineries, ballroom events, restaurants, Golf and RV Resorts, Country Clubs, Yacht Clbus, and retirement communities including over 200 Holiday Touch Retirement Communities nationwide and in Canada. Matt has entertained for Birthday celebrations, Upscale dinners, family nights, Christmas and New Years parties, and various other functions.

Matt took a deep interest in singing as a kid, listening to his father Mark, a radio announcer on 101.3 KUUL-FM in the Davenport, IA who hosted a nightly radio show. Growing up, Matt enjoyed singing in choirs, in church and school, and was encourged by both of his grandmothers. Matt performed his first solo concert at the age of 16 at a local coffee house, Theo's Java Club, and it was then that he decided he wanted to pursue his musical career. During high school, Matt began to hewn his craft by performing at various venues around the Midwest such as coffee houses, Borders bookstores, and open mics. He performed music written and arranged by musician friend and drummer David Saelens. From attending school during the day and performing on a regular basis at night, he planned his first major US Tour. In 2005, during his senior year, Matt released “Let’s Keep In Touch,” a collection of original music by friend David Saelens, which Matt dedicated to his High School graduating class.

Since 2005, Matt has released “Romancing Nashville (2007)”, “Love Notes From Paradise (2009),” “It’s Been A Merry Christmas (2009)," “The Masterpiece Collection (2011),” and “More Today Than Yesterday (2015),” with arrangements by Alan McPike and recorded and produced in Nashville, TN by producer Daniel Dennis.

Matt’s goal is to not only entertain but to also uplift and encourage as many people as possible.”

Matt’s show, “The Matt Barber Experience” consists of “fun, upbeat, and relaxing music from the heart,” providing an extensive repertoire of music, making for a fun, relaxing, and interesting experience for a romantic evening with that special person, or a fun night which you can bring your whole family to enjoy.

“If I can help people forget their problems, feel uplifted, and bring them some happiness, then I’ve done my job,” says Matt.

Notable performances:

In 2008, Matt drove 23 hours from Los Angeles to Sedalia, MO to perform for a Big Big Band ball featuring the Kansas City Overtones Big Band of Kansas City.

From 2013-2016, Matt appeared as a guest and performed a few songs with Branson entertainers Denny Yeary and Shelia Renee in their show "The Sweethearts of Branson."

In 2014, Matt performed for a private party at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Matt also appeared as a guest at the Hotel Bel Aire in Bel Aire, CA.

In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Matt performed at The Heart of Illinois Fair in his hometown of Peoria, IL.