BIOGRAPHY

Alligator Blackbird’s music is derived from many influences across a diverse set of genres including folk, rock, pop, reggae, hip hop, and soul. Fusing acoustic guitar, bass, keyboard, ukulele, cajon, drums (and other percussion), along with vocal harmonies, and the dynamic/soulful voice of front man, Fabian Guzman, the band covers a broad range of musical ground.

Taking root in South Bend, IN in 2009 but branching out regionally throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, the band has maintained a solid love affair with playing live to any audience that will hear them – big or small. Along with playing over 500 shows since inception, they have had the pleasure of supporting a variety of amazing artists including Grammy Nominee singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins, Muscle Shoals electronic/funk duo Boombox, The Pinstripes, Erin Zindle & the Ragbirds, and reggae legends The Wailers.

Their first full length album, recorded as an acoustic trio with Fabian Guzman, Chris Keck, and Cory Miller, was released in 2011. Later in 2011, the band added a fourth member, Kevin “Keyz” Krizmanich, who also plays and records with Midwest Hype (Chicago, IL). Their second full length album was released in January 2015 and they have recently released two new singles, “Ms. K” and “Sierra Skye” in 2022.

Fabian Guzman – Lead Vocals, Guitar

Fabian’s musical experiences and influences include a broad spectrum of styles. While his songwriting began at an early age, he has had many opportunities and experiences along the way that have helped shape his abilities in regard to writing and performing. Fabian is primarily a self taught musician, although his trumpet and high school music studies have influenced his writing, allowing him to become more versatile. Through the years, he has become comfortable in many musical situations; such as playing a trumpet in a symphonic ensemble or jazz band, or playing guitar and singing in a rock and roll or reggae band. His musical influences include Billy Mann, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Bob Marley, Ben Folds, James Taylor, Jason Mraz, Dashboard Confessional, Death Cab For Cutie, John Butler, Iron and Wine, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Chris Keck – Bass Guitar

Bass player, songwriter, Trivial Pursuit extraordinair, grillmaster, artist, and magician, are all ways to describe Chris. Whether it’s playing bass, guitar, drums, piano, or ukulele, he is right at home. He has played with a number of bands throughout his musical career, starting at an early age, most recently with Pablos Great Revenge and as the frontman for “Moltov Cocktail”, “Lounge Lizards”, and “The Red Buds”. He is a primarily self taught musician with the exception of drums, which he studied in high school. Chris’ musical influences include The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Bob Marley.

Cory Miller – Drums

Cory began playing music and writing songs at an early age, primarily on the piano, before developing a love for percussion. He took an interest in rudimental drumming and began performing with various drum and bugle corps across the country when he was 16, continuing throughout college. His musical experiences have led him to performances with musicians and bands such as Brian Blush (formerly of The Refreshments), Pablos Great Revenge, New Orleans/Blues Funk band Elephant Rescue, and the legendary Cheap Trick. Cory also plays guitar, ukulele, steel pan, and continues to write songs on a regular basis while also performing with his brother Chad Miller. His musical influences include, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, and Ellis Paul.

Kevin Krizmanich – Keyboards

Kevin grew up in Dearborn, MI, where he began taking piano and trumpet lessons at a young age. After playing trumpet, keyboards, and bass guitar in several bands in high school, he decided to follow his passion and uproot to Muncie, IN to study music technology at Ball State University. While in college, Kevin honed his skills in music theory, jazz, and classical trumpet, as well as the recording arts. He also met and began performing with Midwest Hype. After graduating from college, Kevin took an internship at Gravity Studios in Chicago, until he was eventually hired as the Senior Cinema Technician at the University of Notre Dame’s Debartolo Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana. Kevin as performed over 500 shows in 14 states, opened for larger acts such as Los Lobos, Girltalk, Badfish, and performed at national festivals such as SXSW, Summercamp, Northcoast, and the Bud Light Port Paradise Music Festival. He has also recorded two full-length albums and one EP with Midwest Hype; working with acclaimed engineer Doug McBride, producer Steven Gillis, and most recently, multi-platinum engineer Dave Aron and plays with Plymouth, IN band Pablos Great Revenge. Kevin has had the role of producer, engineer, and performer on other projects and artist recordings as well – contact him for his full credit list. His countless musical influences include The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Earth Wind & Fire, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and MANY other funk, soul, Motown, jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and classic rock artists.

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