Meet The Band

Biography

The age of entertainment has been evolving and changing for many years with the advent of new, amazing technology, new sounds, sights and styles yet one thing never changes, the desire for good, solid talent.

Enter Shyster, Niagara region’s newest 4 piece music machine, the kind of music everybody fondly knows. The beats and rhythms that millions have enjoyed dancing and grooving too, both sweet vintage and recent. Enjoy the well executed and unique sounds of Shyster and find yourself asking where the time went!

Let Shyster entertain you for an evening you and your friends will remember with great foot tapping beats and great vocal harmonies fronted by a strong female lead.

Susan Atlee

Vocalist, Acoustic

The lead vocalist of the group, Susan’s new age sound sits perfectly in the mix as she takes any audience for a ride. Growing up in small town Newfoundland, Susan found her love of entertaining in her grandparents' kitchen performing "concerts" on Friday nights with her sisters. She went from church and school choirs to Kiwanis competitions and then hosting karaoke nights at local pubs. Susan learned the bass lines of the set list for her first band gig on a broken guitar and never looked back. She taught herself to play bass, then guitar and is always challenging herself to evolve as a musician. When Susan isn't rocking with Shyster, she can be found singing to her little girls, hosting karaoke and sharing her passions with them as they grow to love music as much as she does.

Terry Battell

Guitar, Synth & Vocals

Terry’s love for music has taken him from his early years as a full-blown rock addict, to a sometimes passionate country picker, then back to the rocker you see on stage today. His past projects include a 17 year stint as guitarist/vocalist for the multi award winning country band, Transit. Following that he was instrumental in 4 successful years playing lead guitar and sharing lead vocals with a local group called Tightrope, 5 Years with the popular country act Moonshine, followed by a number of years with recording artist Dan Badger. Terry lists other highlights as being fortunate to have been associated with many exceptional musicians, stars in their own right, throughout the years. Like all of the other members of Shyster, Terry has shared the stage with many great major acts over his career. Some of whom include: On the country side; Terri Clark, Emmerson Drive, Doc Walker, Coda The West, Prairie Oyster, Jamie Warren, George Fox, The Wilkinsons, Jason McCoy, Goode Bros. & The Road Hammers. On the rock side: Brett Michaels, April Wine, Kim Michell, Loverboy, Poison, Stampeders & Trooper. With Terry’s guitar and vocal abilities, he is a most welcomed addition to Shyster’s ever-evolving style and performance.

Teddy B

Percussion, Vocals

Ted Balazs is a Drummer/Percussionist/Background Vocal Specialist with a performance history that spans over a number of years.

Ted was born and raised in Brantford ON, but currently resides in Stoney Creek ON. His genre includes, New Country, Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Motown….Etc…..

Having spent various amounts of time with Independent Artists allowed Ted the opportunity to add 5 years Studio/Recording time to his resume developing drum Tracks for these artists on their album projects. Ted has also played in various Tribute and Cover Acts which allowed for seasoning on the “Big Stage”. No stranger to huge crowds, Ted has had the oportunity to show his talents opening for Big Sugar, Honeymoon Suite, Loverboy, and Our Lady Piece.

In the local scene, Ted has been a staple, supplying a strong rhythm section, consistent timing and the ability to enhance the song being performed. Supplying the groove for acts: Brandon Silver and Sylverado (New Country), Corner Pocket (R&B, Funk, Motown), Julian Paul Band (Blues, Rock, R&B), Selective Soul (Collective Soul Tribute), IN2U (Classic Rock), The Trip (Tragically Hip Tribute).. the list goes on and on.

In his “spare” time you can find him filling the position of Stage Manager at “The Burlington Sound of Music Festival” (Burlington ON Waterfront)

TRAVIS BURKE

Bass Guitar

If playing an instrument could be linked to someone’s DNA, anyone would agree, Travis and his bass are one and the same.

Early in his youth Travis was fortunate enough to catch a show in Montreal, from the incredibly talented band UZEB. He was immediately hooked. His uncle handed him his first bass, introduced him to the music of Rush and his lifelong passion was born.

Travis was involved in a few original bands (Dead Celebrity and Kill Sid) where he developed his craft and a love for grunge, rock and metal. He was fortunate to share the stage with bands such as The Watchmen, The Salads, Brighton Rock, Platinum Blonde and many of Canada’s finest artists. Travis followed that up with years of being involved in many successful local acts like Whisky Dust, Kara and the Six Fivers both based out of Milton. So, where will you find him today? On stage, doing what he does best….. holding down the low end and making people move!

In his spare time, Travis loves spending time with his wife, kids, shelties and cats. Travis is a welcome addition to the Shyster train. Thrilled to have you aboard. It’s gonna be a great ride….