Matthew Backes is passionate about stringed instruments; he started playing at 15 years old. When he’s not fiddling, singing, or picking mandolin or guitar, Backes teaches American Studies at Rutgers University. A historian that holds a Ph.D. in American History, Backes combines his passion for fiddling with his fascination with historical studies as often as he can. He also performs regularly with his bluegrass band, The Magnolia Street String Band.
