Electronic Press Kit
bio
Rachael Claire Botz grew up immersed in music, performing with her family folk band across West Michigan and Chicago. From an early age, she found joy in playing music for kids and families, a passion that continues to shape her work today. A multi-instrumentalist, Rachael plays mandolin, violin, viola, guitar, ukulele, and sings. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Viola Performance and has been songwriting since high school.
In 2018, Rachael and her husband, Justin, formed Lavender Cloud, a family band blending folk music with interdisciplinary art. They wrote whimsical songs about animals, brought them to life as animated characters, and performed at a variety of events—from folk festivals to birthday parties. Since welcoming their first child in 2021, Justin has taken a step back to focus on his role as Artistic Director with the Chicago Park District, while Rachael now leads the band, sometimes joined by Justin for performances and recordings.
When she’s not performing or teaching, Rachael enjoys swimming, yoga, long walks outdoors, and making up silly stories and songs with her husband and son.
career highlights
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance from Western Michigan University, Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, Suzuki Violin Training for Books 1 & 2
Multi-instrumentalist & Songwriter – Plays mandolin, violin, viola, guitar, ukulele, and sings. In 2016, she received a juried songwriting award for her first folk-gospel project at the Grand Rapids Art Prize.
Educator – Has been a music teacher for over 15 years. Teaches early childhood music and movement at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Provides private lessons in fiddle, violin, viola, and mandolin at Old Town School and group violin classes at The People’s Music School. Previous schools she’s taught at: Beginnings for Young Children and their Families, FAME center, Bellas Artes School of Music, Kids in Tune.
Notable Performances— Supported Little Miss Ann (nationally touring and award-winning children’s musician) at Chicago libraries and Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field.
Lavender Cloud (2018–Present) – Co-founded a folk music and interdisciplinary art duo with her husband, creating original children’s music and performing at schools, festivals, and birthday parties.
Family & Musical Evolution – Following the birth of their son in 2021, Rachael took the lead in Lavender Cloud, continuing to write, perform and record music for kids and families while balancing her teaching career.
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