Meet the Band

( Members )




In the beginning, the year was 1974. The band had it's first job - a local church picnic. From there, they played for an anniversary party which led to several wedding engagements which in turn led to company parties... and ....

Fast forward to the year 2008 and you have the dynamic sound of Rick and the Cutting Edge....Dynamite, breath-taking lead vocals lead by the classy, lovely and multi-talented duo of Emily Bender...Punchy and Michelle Romary, tight bass grooves laid down by bassist and vocalist, Bob Miller...the wailing, smooth and sexy sounds produced by sax-man Mike Molchan (adding cool vocal harmonies for that perfect touch), toe-tappin' beats with uncanny, unmatched precision by drummer/percussionist, Jeff Kennat, and groovin, hot and exciting guitar leads played by the intensely-laid back, Lee McClelland. Now add the sounds of amazing brass stabs, organ, piano and strings settings coming out of Rick's keyboards ("where does he get those toys?") and you have the makings of one kicking, groovin, exciting band.


Come and hear us and see for yourselves...See why literally over one thousand satisfied customers, from newly married couples to corporate executives.... from entire cities at homeday celebrations to party planners to local bar owners and their loyal patrons continue to demand "Rick and the Cutting Edge" when they demand the best for their special celebration extraordinaire!"


Let us play for your upcoming party and discover why you'll become a card-carrying member of the Rick and the Cutting Edge band!




Rick Matis – Key Boards, Vocals

"Rick Matis, founder and leader of "Rick and the Cutting Edge" learned at an early age that beautiful music can lift one's emotions and lift the heart. He noticed one day while practicing for his grandparents how they were moved to tears at hearing some of their all-time favorite tunes. If his music could create this impact, imagine what sound could be produced with a group of exceptionally talented vocalists and musicians!

"When you come right down to it...people are looking for fun...they want to dance, they want to smile and laugh and enjoy some great times with their friends and dance up close and personal with that special someone. Our music is fun, steamy, exciting and brings out the best in why people so much love live, danceable music. I love my job and I love this band.”


Emily Bender - Vocals, Percussion

Emily has been singing professionally for over 12years. As a native Texan: she began singing and performing at an early age in honor and show-choirs. Now that she calls Ohio home, Emily has performed in area bands such as Accent, The Bel-Airs, The Maxx and Victory Boulevard. In addition, she has enjoyed singing in many wedding ceremonies and has performed lead and chorus rolls in various musical theater productions. Emily’s strong lead and background vocals are an undeniable presence in Rick and the Cutting Edge’s exceptional sound.




Michelle Romary - Vocals, Percussion

Michelle has been sharing her voice with audiences her entire life and has been classically trained since 1990, most recently with Ms. Norma Codispoti at the Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music. Her repertoire is extremely diverse, as she's performed in operas, musicals, show choirs, pop/rock bands, and blues bands. When R.A.C.E. is taking a night off you may catch her singing with her local Blues Brothers tribute band "The Brothers Blues Band." She also occasionally performs with various Christian Recording Artists. When not hitting the stage, you may hear her singing on the radio in various commercials or singing in a multitude of weddings and memorial/funeral masses throughout Ohio, as well as cantoring and singing in the choir at St. Christopher Church in Rocky River, Ohio.





Bob Miller – Bass Guitar, Male Lead Vocals

"My introduction into being a musician started when I returned from a family vacation in 8th grade. When I got home, my neighborhood buddies informed me that we were forming a band and the only instrument left was the bass guitar! We all started taking lessons that summer and the band actually stayed together for almost 2 years! The rest is history!"
Bob's musical roots begin with several rock bands, starting from the late '70s. Some of those bands include Lost Horizon, The Hard Driver Band and Camera Shy. "I literally went from playing the last gig with The Hard Driver Band to playing out with Rick the following week!"



Mike Molchan – Sax, Vocal and Rhythm Guitar

Mike Molchan was born and raised on the North Coast and has been with Rick & the Cutting Edge since its inception. He plays tenor, alto and soprano saxes as well as the Yamaha X11 midi wind controller (that's a synthesizer). Major influences include Lenny Pickett (Saturday Night Live Band), Michael Brecker and Gato Barbieri (early 70's only).




Lee McCleland – Lead Guitar

Teaching guitar over 20 years, with close to 100 students, Lee still reserves time to indulge in the artistic "hands-on" part of his profession. Playing a variety of music through the years, including country, blues, rock, jazz and pop, Lee continues to enjoy the ever-changing music of today. He approaches his profession with enthusiasm, with his passion for guitar, his love of music, and his desire for perfection.



Jeff Kennat - Drums

From Music Director on cruise ships to several premier local bands - Jeff has done it all!
Jeff has played with local bands such as the Tony Camarati Band and Park Place and still does a 3-piece jazz trio in his free time! Jeff also teaches percussion at Lentine's Music on weekends!
Jeff brings a huge amount of energy and versatility to the drums (and to the band), which translates into a busy dance floor!