Current Projects

Current Projects

Janis currently performs with some of the Midwest's best original and tribute bands. She is available for hire for additional studio and live opportunities.

FAMILY GROOVE COMPANY

FGC is Janis' longest-running project, an original jazz/funk/rock quartet established in 2001 when the band members met as students at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.  FGC has performed almost 1,000 shows from coast to coast and has independently released 4 full-length albums.  The band currently performs monthly at select Midwest venues, and has one of the longest running residencies at Summer Camp Music Festival (15 years and counting!).

BIG SUIT


Big Suit is Chicagoland's newest Talking Heads tribute act.  Catch Janis paying homage to iconic bassist Tina Weymouth in this larger-than-life 9-piece band with one of the most compelling "David Byrnes" to hit the stage since the original.  This funk–rock ensemble of stellar musicians offers up a truly inspirational, "Once In A Lifetime" connection, and performs at theaters and festivals in the Chicago area.

SUN BEARD

Sun Beard started in 2014 as a solo project for Matt Robinson from Old Shoe.  After releasing an album featuring a myriad of local musicians and performing scattered shows over the years with varying lineups, the band finally landed on its current incarnation in 2018.  This four-piece roots-rock powerhouse features Matt's heartfelt songwriting, Scott Tipping's screaming guitar leads, Jon Reed's inspired drumming, and of course, Janis' signature grooves.

TERRAPIN FLYER

Janis is a regular in this Chicago-based Grateful Dead tribute act.  Founded in 1999, Terrapin Flyer is one of the country's premier touring Grateful Dead acts whose special guests have included Vince Welnick, Melvin Seals, Mark Karan, and Tom Constanten, along with a constant rotation of talented local musicians from around the country.  Each show is different, with Janis bringing her special blend of funk to this beloved style of music.

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JOHNNY V'S WILDFLOWERS

Johnny V's Wildflowers is a Tom Petty tribute act, fronted by Johnny V, one of Northwest Indiana's most well-known and charismatic performers.  The band touches upon all corners of Tom Petty's catalog, from hits to deep cuts to side-projects, and brings their own flavor to this classic and beloved music.  Also featured in this band are "Kid Mikey" Schroeder on drums, Rich Fobes on keys, and David Gans on lead guitar.

ALTHEA GRACE BAND

Althea Grace is a young singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Chicago area. Althea’s music can best be described as new age blues with heavy doses of jazz, funk, and soul featuring her powerful, soulful voice and guitar skills to match.  Janis and Althea have known each other for many years, and performed together for the first time in early 2018.  You can expect many more collaborations in the future from these fellow female talents!

Joe Marcinek Band

JOE MARCINEK BAND

The Joe Marcinek Band is a unique concept, with a lineup that changes for each show or tour.  Bandleader and guitarist Joe Marcinek handpicks players from all ends of the musical spectrum and brings them together for moments of exciting collaborations and improvisation.  Janis has been a regular performer in the JMB since 2012, and has performed alongside artists like Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads), Alan Evans (Soulive), Jason Hann (SCI), Jennifer Hartswick (TAB), Allie Kral (YMSB), and many more!

SHRED IS DEAD

Shred is Dead is the brainchild of guitarist virtuoso Marcus Rezak.  Performing across the country with an ever-changing ensemble of musicians, Shred is Dead pays homage to the Grateful Dead with progressive renditions of this classic beloved music.  It's like the Dead on steroids, with instrumental and vocal performances that harvest a pure blend of inspirational jams and fierce rock 'n roll.  Janis is a regular for the project's Chicago-area performances.