Jennifer Onesto's band "The Big Babies"

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Dave Barrett- Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Jennifer Onesto- Vocals, Percussion

Hadyn Rutz- Drums

Todd - Bass, Vocals

Paul Stebner- Lead Guitar, Vocals

The members of "The Big Babies" have been performing around the Chicagoland area for several years. The band, originally "The Dirt Poets" then "The Dave Barrett Band" , evolved into "The Big Babies" in May 1998 when they competed at the Guinness Fleadh Battle of the Bands. Out of 50 bands competing, "The Big Babies" made it to the finals where they were one of eight bands to win a slot at The Abbey Pub in Chicago.

Since then, they have been playing at Navy Pier, The Chicago Marathon, various summer festivals and pubs around Chicago and Indiana. With their wide range of musical influence, "The Big Babies" have an incredible selection of popular cover tunes along with powerful originals that have received both local and national recognition. "The Big Babies" are also known for their energetic on-stage performance which always generates an enthusiastic crowd reaction --- definitely a fun band to see!

Hadyn Rutz (drums)

Haydn is the founding member of the band. Originally from Oklahoma, he started with Revolution recording artists "The Wakeland" and has toured through Dallas, Kansas City, and Denver. Haydn has an outstanding rhythm style which gives the band its edge.

Todd (bass and vocals)

This is an old picture that needs to be updated with a picture of the new bass player, Todd, who has replaced Gary on bass guitar.

Paul Stebner (lead guitar)

Paul joined Haydn and Gary in 1994. Paul's talent is nothing short of amazing. His aggressive playing and incredible technique leaves the crowd in awe. He adds a unique sound by using a talk box which has become one of his trademarks. His playing brings pure power to the stage.

Jennifer Onesto (lead vocals and percussion)

Jennifer is the most recent member of "The Big Babies". She has performed for several years in Chicago with "Burnt Toast". In 1996 she released her first solo CD "Twenty Houses" which has ten original songs and won several awards and received great reviews. Jennifer was sponsored by 101.9 The Mix radio station for the Chicago Music Alive contest at The Park West. As one of the winners, she was a featured artist at "The Taste of Chicago". Her dynamic vocals add a new dimension and versatility to the band.

Dave Barrett (lead vocals and Guitar)

Dave has been performing solo in Chicago and Nashville for eight years. He joined Haydn, Gary, and Paul's band "The Dirt Poets" in '96 when the band changed its name to "The Dave Barrett Band". His solo CD "Kitty Bone" has eleven original songs and has received great reviews from "Album Network" and "Chicago Showcase Magazine". Dave's powerful vocals and great crowd rapport brings the band a new sense of energy.

Here are some more pictures from one of the four shows that "The Big Babies" performed at the Navy Pier Beer Garden last summer. It's always a lot of fun for adults and kids too.

Here are some pictures from the Crystal Lake Fourth of July Festival during a heat wave. One young fan found the best seat in the house right in the middle of the stage.