THE PNW'S PREMIER GENRE-BENDING PARTY BAND
ABOUT US
Rare Sky is Montana’s premier live band, known for igniting every stage with an unforgettable blend of rock, alternative rock, R&B, blues funk, and disco. With a magnetic presence and unmatched energy, Rare Sky transforms any venue into a dance floor—leaving audiences buzzing long after the final note.
At the heart of Rare Sky is a powerhouse lead vocalist whose dynamic range and emotional depth command attention. Backed by a masterfully tight rhythm section, soaring guitar leads, and lush harmonies, this band creates an immersive sound that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly original. Every performance is crafted to connect with the crowd—whether you're swaying to a soulful ballad or losing yourself in a bass-driven funk breakdown.
Perfect for weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals, and club gigs, Rare Sky tailors each setlist to fit the vibe of the room and the energy of the moment. Their ability to seamlessly shift between genres keeps things fresh and keeps the crowd moving.
But Rare Sky is more than a band—they’re an experience. From the first downbeat to the final encore, they deliver the kind of show that makes memories. Whether you’re booking a show-stopping headline act or looking to elevate your next event, Rare Sky brings the soul, swagger, and sound to make it unforgettable.
MEET THE MEMBERS
STACY
SANTILLI
Stacy Santilli was singing before she could talk, thanks to her grandfather who taught her to project from the diaphragm and sing with soul. After moving to Montana from Colorado in 2000, her love for music blossomed from karaoke nights and quiet guitar sessions into a full-blown passion. She joined her first band, Soul Kitchen, in 2002, and has since fronted a variety of groups across the state—from Stacy’s Other Issue and the valley-favorite Extra Sauce, to leading the all-female original project The Distractions.
While she now performs as part of a long-standing duo with Jim Steiner, Stacy is thrilled to also be the voice of Rare Sky—a band as versatile and spirited as she is. With a voice that moves effortlessly across genres and a heart rooted in bringing joy through music, Stacy brings energy, emotion, and experience to every performance. She also plays cajon, rhythm guitar, and piano, always aiming to uplift others through the universal language of music—for the glory of God.
MARK CORNETT
Mark has been a musician for 42 years. He started publicly performing at a young age, playing bass guitar, and played with various startup bands throughout high school. At 21, Mark joined the band Notorious, playing the NW hotel and bar circuits. The band traveled overseas and played six nights per week at a club in downtown Taipei, Taiwan.
Mark has played bass with bands including 20 Grand (funk), Moonshine Mountain (blue grass), Kenny James Miller band (blues) Blue Stone (jazz fusion), Studebaker John featuring John Grimaldi, Chicago based artist (blues), Matt Smith instructor with Crown of the Continent (master class guitar workshop), David Shelley (blues) and others. Mark has done extensive freelance work as well as bassist for hire contracts. Mark is highly recognized and revered as a phenomenal bassist from his many versatile engagements, including festival performances.
Mark has played electric guitar with several regional NW bands, including Twisted Logic (rock) and Comatose Posse (hard rock).
Mark collaborated in writing music for Loin Hammer (death metal).
Mark has opened for bands such as Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult, Bad Company, Jefferson Starship, and Robin Trower.
Mark has earned many awards including Best New Blues Band and Best Blues Bassist (2 consecutive years) by the Inland Empire Blues Society.
Mark has lived in Montana for a long time. His hobbies, in addition to music, include outdoor activities such as mountain biking, fishing, cooking, traveling, art, and automobiles.
Many bands have influenced Mark, including Meshuggah, Rush, Primus, Infectious Grooves, The Chick Corea Elektric Band, Opeth, Katatoni, and Gojira.
With Rare Sky, Mark plays electric and acoustic guitar. He also sings backup and some lead vocals. Mark enjoys playing multiple genres and musical styles.
MARK
MILLER
Mark’s mother was a cellist who played with symphonies including the Chicago symphony. She brought Mark up listening to classical and jazz music. He has been influenced by many styles of music,
Mark’s first band won the battle of the bands competition on Earth Day during his freshman year of High school. After that he was recruited to play drums for the senior party during his Sophomore year of High school. That band was well liked and clicked so they started working club dates when Mark was 15. They were performing club dates in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon and in Canada as well. From then on he never looked back and continued drumming in rock and jazz/rock fusion groups, Over time he branched out and did work with a Galveston Texas country music TV show host Herbie Trace. He also did a stint playing jazz with Las Vegas studio recording jazz pianist Tom Gunn who had played on many recordings for TV shows and movie sound tracks. Tom was also the band director for Robert Goulet who was popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s,
Mark played in a blues band with Steve Kelly and The Bluenotes and also performed with Steve's Mardi Gra band which played Cajon music. Mark was the “Miller” in the KennyJamesMiller Band (KJMB) for over 9 years starting out with Jimmy (“James”) Groom on bass since the beginning of that band. Mark recorded and engineered the “Revelator” album which gave that band its start. Later on Mark had the good fortune to meet and do several tours with the Chicago blues master Studebaker John and The Hawks which was real treat for Mark as was his time playing and working with the late great, David Shelley and Bluestone out of Fort Lauderville Florida. Mark got to do some gigs with The original Memphis Horn Section who had played on countless big hits throughout their career. Mark also did some recording session work with San Francisco Bay area favorite, legendary singer Keta Bill. Mark has opened for Badfinger, Stepenwolf, The Legendary Blues Band with Pine Top Perkins, The Doobie Brothers, Robert Cray, Zack Wilde, Robin Trooper and also Helles Belles.
Mark applies his style of a solid and smooth and funky groove to his drumming and lays it down to all the genres of music that he enjoys playing with Rare Sky. Mark is happiest when people are up and dancing to his beats!
GREG
SHUTT
Born in California, Greg Shutt found his rhythm in the vibrant music scene of the Golden State. At 16, he picked up the bass guitar, quickly becoming a fixture in local garage bands. His raw talent and dedication led him to tour at 18 as a bass technician for the bands Odin and Alcatraz, crisscrossing the western United States and honing his craft behind the scenes.
After relocating to Washington state in 1990, Greg’s passion for music deepened. He became actively involved in his church’s worship band, bringing soul and groove to spiritual performances. In 2006, Greg teamed up with Steve Livingston to form a band that would define his career. For nearly two decades, their group delivered electrifying Southern rock and blues performances across bars, festivals, hotels, restaurants, private parties, and venues throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Greg also lent his basslines to The Usual Suspects for a couple of years, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and reliable musician. Today, Greg continues to rock the stage as the bassist for Rare Sky, infusing their sound with his signature groove. With a career spanning garage jams, cross-country tours, and packed venues, Greg Shutt’s love for music resonates in every note he plays.
SONG SPOTLIGHT!
GOING DOWN - FREDDIE KING
Tonight’s rare cut comes from one of the absolute legends of electric blues: Freddie King. Released in 1971 on his Getting Ready... album, “Going Down” is a high-octane blues-rock anthem that blends raw Texas grit with a soulful punch only Freddie could deliver.
Known for his blistering guitar tone and powerhouse vocals, Freddie brought unmatched energy to this track, which has since become a favorite for covers by rock royalty—from Jeff Beck to Deep Purple. But nothing beats the original. Backed by Leon Russell’s Shelter Records band, this version drives hard and fast, giving you a taste of the fire that made Freddie King a foundational influence in blues and rock guitar.
A true gem that doesn’t get nearly enough play—this is “Going Down” by Freddie King.
THE BEST MOMENTS, CAPTURED
