Gary Belniak has had music in his blood since he started playing ukulele on his Grandfather's lap at age 5. By age 10, he was teaching himself how to play an old acoustic guitar and a spinet piano, and began gigging with his first band at 13.
Gary performed and wrote with international touring/recording band Tyrant in the 70s and early 80s as guitarist, singer and songwriter. During the 80s and 90, he played with such Chicago favorites as the Shadows of Knight, Heebie Jeebies, Leather & Lace, Dog Dreams (later Plush Cargo), Dana French, Pickled Beats, and others. From 2003-2010 Gary played guitar and co-produced several albums with the Noah Gabriel Band and completed producing singer/songwriter Sandra Lee Troutman's debut album, "Littlefield". Work is underway on Sandra's new album.
He has since continued performing and working as a producer, guitarist, keyboardist and sometimes vocalist with select Chicago musicians and songwriters. His recent project includes a collaboration album with drummer/singer/songwriter Courtney Wolfe called BellenWolfe.
Gary also has co-founded a charity group to help bring attention to world issues through the power of music – Harmony For Change – which also includes other members of Lukara.