THEMIX
Saxophonist Rich Cohen, originally from the east coast, relocated to the midwest for postdoctoral work in Physics at Notre Dame. Having been bitten by the jazz bug at an early age, Rich’s avocation has always been music, while his day job morphed from teaching Physics to developing help systems for software applications. Since relocating to the Indy area, Rich has continued to hone his musical craft, working with a number of established jazz artists such as Rob Dixon, Everett Greene, Monika Herzig, and Clifford Ratliff.
CHRIS RUTKOWSKI
PIANO & KEYBOARDS
Pianist and composer Chris Rutkowski's life in jazz has its unlikely beginnings in London, England, where he had completed a degree in Philosophy, but it flowered in the artistic hot house of Detroit. Quickly connecting with the legendary trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, he wrote for and performed with his big and small bands. A lengthy turn toward the world of classical composition involved graduate study at Indiana University, which in turn lead back to jazz with study and performance with the great David Baker. Both worlds flowed concurrently, while he performed with luminaries such as Motown's Temptations, Darmon Meader (New York Voices), saxophonist Eric Alexander, and trumpeter Alan Vizzuti.
Listen to his music and find more information on his website.
JANET HINES-NORRIS
VOCALS
Janet Hines-Norris is an award-winning vocalist, having won vocal competitions at both the local and national level. A native of South Bend, Indiana, Janet started her singing career at the tender age of 7, along with five of her siblings. During her formative years, she became a popular vocalist with community and regional groups. Relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career, Janet performed lead and background vocals in several theatres and venues over a five-year period. Since returning to South Bend, Janet has become an in-demand vocalist, regularly performing at churches, conferences, political events, clubs, weddings, and major corporate events. She has been featured on recording projects in Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, Indianapolis, Elkhart, and South Bend. In addition to performing at locations throughout the U.S., Janet’s career has taken her to Mexico, Haiti, and London.