Anne Harris

Born in a small university town in Ohio, Anne Harris was greatly influenced by her parents wide range of musical interests. Listening to everything from country and Celtic music to funk, rock, and rhythm & blues, Harris began playing the violin at the age of three. It wasn't until the age of ten that she began formal lessons, but she found the experience too restricting. "I like the unusual, unexpected aspects of music," she said. "Classical music is too rigid." Performing throughout her formative years and practicing her craft resulted in attending the University of Michigan's School of Music. After graduating, Harris moved to Chicago and became involved in theater and commercials. But her first love was music. After working with local Chicago groups such as the Juleps and Poi Dog Pondering, Harris branched out into a solo career. Having performed the national anthem at Chicago Cubs baseball games, Harris entered the studio for her debut album. The result was a self-titled release on Rugged Road Records in 2001. The Chicago media loved the album and it was dubbed the "coolest album of 2001" for its array of styles and influences. In 2002, she performed at the North by Northeast Festival and opened for Angelique Kidjo.