Hailing from Athens, Ohio, the original incarnation of the Cactus Pears formed at Ohio University in 1993, including Tony Xenos on guitar and vocals and, for a brief period, Dan Dreifort on bass. After a cassette and CD release (Subrosa), the band called it quits in 1995.

Fast-forward to fall 1998, when a few phone calls were made to some Athens music scene veterans, and the Cactus Pears were reborn. Since then the band has played numerous shows to enthusiastic audiences around Ohio and released the self-produced EP 'Snacks for Slacks' in May 1999.

The Cactus Pears are Dan Dreifort on electric guitar and vocals, Deb Dreifort on cello, Bryan Gibson on drums, Alex Treece on bass and vocals and Tony Xenos on acoustic guitar and vocals.