About BYP
Backyard Party was born out of necessity. In January 2025, the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, CA: a community where tons of young, talented musicians live and go to school, practicing in garages, playing in backyards, and building friendships through music. All of that was torn away in a few short days.
Co-Founders Matt Chait and Sandra Denver started Backyard Party to provide a platform, a communal 'back yard' for young musicians to play, watch, hang out, tell their stories, and find themselves in a time of crisis.
Since opening in September of 2025, BYP has hosted more than 350 acts, paid out and donated more than $12,000 to local bands and charities, and rapidly built a community of thousands of kids, teens, parents and supporters — people who believe that the culture of music has to survive and thrive, no matter what. Our parties have morphed into full production shows, workshops, social gatherings, and a social movement across LA.
Staff
Matt Chait
Co-Founder
Matt is a multi-platinum selling musician, creative director, and FinTech founder with 20+ years of experience in entertainment, fine arts, branding, and nonprofit work in the music, fire-relief, and Alzheimer's spaces. An LA native with a lifetime of all-ages/DIY/punk experience, Matt handles the sound, stage, design, web, socials, and whatever other technical stuff needs doing around BYP.
Sandra Denver
Co-Founder
Sandra has been actively building the local scene since 2023, when she began organizing backyard shows across Altadena and Pasadena that eventually grew into BYP. A former bar manager at The Echo and LAUSD special educator with an M.Ed. in Special Education, Sandra is also a dedicated mother, wife, and homemaker. She handles Backyard Party's booking and scheduling, acting as the bridge between families, artists, volunteers, and neighbors.
Volunteers
Payton Owen
Payton is a highschool sophomore who runs front of house for BYP — tickets, concessions, guest lists, and greeting visitors, as well as writing articles and show reviews. She enjoys visual arts, writing, singing, and playing guitar in her band, and is part of the PUSD think tank and Alta-Pasa Project.
Joseth Gonzalez
Joseth is an LA-based photographer from Huntington Park, focused on capturing the energy of live events. He loves exploring the local creative scene, making meaningful connections, and discovering new music. Whether he's immersing himself in nightlife or exploring California’s beautiful scenery, he always has his camera with him.
Pender Petrie
Pender is a junior in high school who helps run front of house at BYP shows. He enjoys reading, playing instruments in and out of his bands, and running cross-country.
Cassidy Lehtonen
Cassidy is a high school senior in the JMHS Arts, Entertainment and Media Academy. She is passionate about film directing and criticism. She also loves analog photography, volunteer work, and hanging out with friends.
Ellie Phillips
Ellie is a sophomore, dancer, and musician who plays cello and guitar. She loves being part of the supportive community at BYP events and watching live music in the Alta/Pasa area.
Malena Vesbit
Malena is a student who is active in academics, athletics, the arts, and student leadership. She runs track and cross-country, sings with High Notes and the Pasadena Chorale, plays bass in Last Friday, and creates visual art. She is also the co-founder of the Alta-Pasa Project and member of the PUSD Student Assembly.
Zion Nolan
Zion is high school sophomore involved in cross-country and track. Outside of school she enjoys acting, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Elise Lamond
Elise is a junior at John Muir High School. She is a proficient guitarist and enjoys playing in her bands. She is a huge fan of The Smiths and Morrissey, and has even played guitar with Alain Whyte. She plays tennis and is on the swim team at school.
Lyla Kind
Lyla is a Sophomore at John Muir High School. She plays clarinet in the Mighty Mustang Marching Band and sings with the Pasadena High Notes. Lyla also plays piano and bass guitar. In her free time she enjoys listening to music, reading, baking, and thrifting.
Backyard Party is powered by a community of teen volunteers, parent crew members, local photographers, artists, and writers. Want to be part of it?
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