Switchback is comprised of Marty McCormack, classically trained tenor on 
bass; Brian FitzGerald, one of the most acclaimed mandolin and guitar players 
in the Midwest; Cathy Kuna, known as the "Janis Joplin of the Cello"; and 
Alpha Stewart, Chicago's own percussionist extraordinare. 

    As a band with musical roots that draw from Rock, R7B, Celtic, Jazz and 
Classical, Switchback's relentless unpredictability keeps them from being 
pigeonholed in any specific genre. Their musical depth is as much a result of 
what they are as what they are not.

    A "Naturalized Iowan", Brian FitzGerald is one of the most acclaimed 
mandolin and guitar players in the Midwest. He had the good fortune to grow 
up at FitzGerald's, a famous Chicago bar, where he was influenced and taught 
by such great artists as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jethro Burns and Clifton Chenier. 
He has had years of classical training and session work with some of 
Chicago's jazz greats.

    Marty McCormack learned his Irish music and dance traditions first hand 
from his grandfather who came from Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. He 
began his career at age four and wrote his first song at age five. Coming 
from a musical family and receiving over fifteen years of classical vocal 
training, Marty was destined for a career in music. Through the years, he 
sang and entertained in theater, rock, country and Celtic bands before 
joining forces with FitzGerald 14 years ago.

    One of the most important aspects of Switchback has been their 
willingness to forgo the traditional "rock n' roll" status and concentrate on 
extending their musical experience to communities and people who are deprived 
of live entertainment and personal interaction. In addition to the many 
schools, nursing and retirement homes and prisons that Switchback visits 
during the day is a grueling schedule of clubs and festivals. Angela Pancella 
of KDHX in St. Louis says, "If Brian FitzGerald and Marty McCormack aren't 
the kings of live performance I don't know who could be." Their music is 
heard round the world via the Internet and radio stations.