Canasta (band)

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Canasta is a Chicago-based six-piece chamber pop band. The group formed in 2002 when frontman Matt Priest lost his job and invited friends, including violinist Elizabeth Lindau, to join. They mix many musical influences to create their sound.

Their first release was the self-released EP Find the Time in 2003, mastered by Keith Cleversley. In 2005 they put out their first full-length album, We Were Set Up, on the indie label Broken Middle C, produced by Ted Cho. Critics praised the album for its ambition and Lindau’s violin. In 2008 they released a free remix album, We Were Mixed Up, showing a wide range of styles.

Their second full-length, The Fakeout, the Tease and the Breather, came out in May 2010 on RWIM Chicago. Their song “Slow Down Chicago” was used in the trailer for the film Diminished Capacity. Lindau has joked about scenes with Matthew Broderick and Alan Alda in slow motion in the trailer.