Rustic Skies

Rustic Skies is an indie band from the Cleveland/Akron area fronted by an electric cello. Through songs that showcase the highs and lows of life and the human experience, their music blends jazz, funk and rock to bring a unique performance to the stage. Within their first year, they have had the honor of releasing four singles, performing at IngenuityFest and Folk and Flora Fest, opening for The Wildwoods, and being named Best New Artist in the 2025 Cleveland Music Awards.

Rustic Skies was founded by cellist Jessica Jonczyk, who wrote many of her songs between her classes as a teacher. She graduated in 2022 with her Music Education and Cello Performance degrees, having debuted in Severance Hall in 2025. Jessica uses her classical training and music theory studies to create music that challenges the traditions of songwriting and composition throughout the decades, alongside drummer Tom Nagle, bassist Max Frazier, and guitarist Andrew Schifano. From past to present, Rustic Skies takes elements of classical music and brings them into the rock scene.