A minority of rock acts are fronted by women and fewer are fronted by violinists and even fewer by both, but two such acts will be showcased at at an upcoming show at St Cecilia theater.

Midwest Music Fest performer Jillian Rae will perform at Cotter alongside LOTT, show choir, and Cotter student Victoria Sunah Shim.

As part of the Sounds Like School program, Cotter will host a full concert performance. Jillian Rae, a well traveled musician, appeared alongside her band Friday, February 27th at 7:00 PM.

Primarily a violinist and vocalist, Jillian Rae can also play the guitar, piano, and dabbles in other instruments including cello, bass, and percussion instruments. With a mainly classical influence, Jillian started violin at the age of seven, and joined a violin group in the third grade. With this group, the musician toured all over the United States.

At the center of Jillian Rae’s performance was a song titles “Lay It To Rest,” a piece that started in high school and was written about a boy.

“I can only be myself and do what I can, I might not be able to please everyone” the musician says.

Although not performing during MWMF’s main event this year, Jillian Rae is currently teaching private lessons, involved in bands of her own, and has co-founded Music Lab in Minneapolis (musiclabminneapolis.com).

Jillian Rae was a finalist in the 2014 Minneapolis Star Tribune Vita.mn competition. She and her band were chosen to perform, but ultimately did not come in first.
In the future, Jillian Rae hopes to tour the West Coast, playing and practicing everyday in preparation.