BIOGRAPHY
"Being a vocalist brings lyrics and melodies to life. Darkness, enlightenment, hilarity, resolution... This is music to me!"
Russine attributes her musical influences to renowned artists like The Beatles, Steely Dan, Elton John, The Carpenters, Loretta Lynn, Peggy Lee, Carly Simon, Helen Reddy, Carole King, Michael Franks, and The Eagles. "These artists opened my ear to harmony and rhythm," says Russine.
Her musical passion began in elementary school chorus and continued through junior high and high school in Canoga Park, CA. At the College of Southern Nevada, where she graduated Phi Theta Kappa in 1999, she performed for two years in the "Vocal Jazz Ensemble," singing blues, scats, and four- and five-part jazz harmonies.
In 2000, Russine joined a premier Las Vegas 50’s Doo-Wop A Capella group known as "The Emerald Dreams," performing in Las Vegas and Laughlin, NV. Staying true to her harmony roots, she performed with "The Jazzmin Vocal Band," led and conducted by Grammy-nominated Rod Henley of The Four Freshmen. "Jazzmin" blended five voices to bring fresh interpretations of jazz and contemporary standards with a lively band. Russine has appeared with the UNLV Jazz Bands, Las Vegas Master Singers, and on "The Dennis Bono Show" at the Southpoint Casino, as well as at various local corporate events in Las Vegas.
From 2013 to 2020, Russine performed jazz standards bi-weekly to a spirited local Las Vegas crowd at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant in The Suncoast Casino, alongside notable pianist/vocalist Phil Baker, “The Inspiration for The Fabulous Baker Boys.” In 2020, she formed a guitar and vocal duo called "The Two of Us" with John Anthony of "Legends in Concert," performing pop, dance, and rock tunes at Miller’s Tavern Sun City. Russine also performs at The Italian American Club on Fridays with pianist Nicholas Cole.
What I’ve learned on this fabulous tour: "Youth is the gift that we don’t know we own. It’s meant only for the young to learn after they’ve grown." Treasure all your moments!
Russine thanks her heavenly family and friends for all their support on her musical journey!