Pop-alt band Marmalade Skies stems from a collaboration between singer/songwriter Michele Rene and composer/producer Robert Bancalari. With varied backgrounds, this five-member group from California has been charming crowds with music described as an alternative-rock style with threads of Celtic, funk and Latin jazz overtones. This unique sound is captured on their debut album Cecil’s Epitaph, which has recently been heard on the Warner Bros. television show "Felicity."

Marmalade Skies’ earliest achievement came when a demo tape landed in the hands of a Cerritos College disc jockey and drew interest among the college radio market.

They were soon performing at clubs, colleges and universities, including a mini-tour to Portales, New Mexico. Initially, their songs were played on Hammond organ, which created a sound once described as "ELP meets Altered Images" (Craig Williams Local Show, KNAC, Los Angeles).

The combination of Rene’s lyrics and the acoustic guitar-based instrumentation on songs such as "Remember Me" received such a positive response, that Bancalari adapted all of their songs to be played on acoustic guitar and mandolin, which is the basis of their sound today.

In February of 1997, Marmalade Skies recorded their first album Cecil’s Epitaph. Produced by Bancalari and Darby Orr, the 10-song album is described in reviews as "one that highlights the singing of Rene....who is able to deliver emotion, sadness and loneliness through her voice [which is] beautiful and ever so honest" and "musically, it is a strong work with rustic sounds of mandolin, recorder and organ."

The collection of songs is a storybook of dreams, characters, tragedies and spirits. Cecil’s Epitaph has received airplay on KUCI 89.9 FM and has been heard on Warner Bros’ hit show Felicity.

The list of venues Marmalade Skies has played is extensive and includes The Strand, The Roxy, Highland