The Story

Matt Barber’s virtually non-stop touring schedule has taken him from L.A. to New York and Canada – performing over 1000 concerts and selling thousands of CDs since graduating High School in 2005.

With an uplifting Easy Listening style reminiscent of Barry Manilow and Michael Buble, he delivers songs from yesterday and today with a sincere, meaningful approach. Barber’s passion for music and touching hearts comes through in every song. His style is unique and unlike much of the music being played on the radio today. Heavily influenced by Frankie Valli, Andy Williams, “The Rat Pack,” and various other crooners, Matt has performed for festivals, wineries, ballrooms, hotels/resorts, retirement communities, and special events including birthday parties, Christmas parties and upscale dinners. Matt is experienced at performing for audiences both big and small, whether it is a group of 50 or an auditorium of 1,500, you can count on an intimate experience as Matt pours his heart and soul into each song, as if the songs were written with you in mind. Many venues report excellent audience response and great turn outs.

In 2009, Matt released “Love Notes From Paradise,” his second release produced in Nashville, TN by Daniel Dennis. In November 2007 he released “Romancing Nashville,” a 12 track collection of classic Jazz standards from the 1940s through today including songs famous by Frank Sinatra, Barry Manilow, The Righteous Brothers, Glen Campbell, Michael Buble and more. While “Romancing Nashville” showcases songs with a romantic theme, “Love Notes” features more of a variety of styles from the 50s and 60s, such as Bobby Darin’s “Mack The Knife”, Dean Martin’s “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head,” Sam Cooke’s “Another Saturday Night,” and Jim Reeve’s “Welcome To My World.” Both albums feature phenomenal new arrangements by Alan McPike of Scotland and a special appearance by Brother Day, former trumpet player for Ray Charles.

Matt was born in Peoria, Illinois, and took a deep interest in singing at the age of 10, listening to his dad Mark, a DJ on Oldies 101.3 KUUL-FM in the Quad Cities. Matt sang in choirs, and was exposed to music through his grandmother who has been playing organ for over 50 years at her church, and his mother, an amazing pianist. During high school, Matt began to hewn his craft by performing at various venues, such as coffee houses, and other local establishments. From attending school during the day and performing on a regular basis at night, he planned his first major US Tour. In June 2005, Matt released “Let’s Keep In Touch,” dedicated to Matt’s High School graduating class.

Matt’s show, also known as “The Matt Barber Experience” consists of “fun, upbeat, and relaxing music from the heart.” Matt provides 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. Matt currently performs solo, and occasionally with singer Valerie Penrod, he delivers a heart-warming, yet powerful and tremendous sound. “If I can help people forget their problems, feel uplifted, and bring them some happiness, then I’ve done my job,” says Matt.