The Rock Nine, formed in 2016, comprises of Dina Barnese, Ray Flagg, John Lutz, and Ward Bailey. The four create stunningly authentic classic and alternative rock music while covering some of the greatest hits in rock of all time. Rock Nine was conceived in the childhood fantasies of lead singer Dina Barnese. An avid singer while working alone in her ceramics studio (or wherever she found herself alone - in the car, in the shower or in the woods), she took the leap to move her artistic talents from the potter’s wheel to the stage in late 2015. She invited some friends to join on the adventure and after a few adjustments the band settled into its current four members.

Dina is a long-time resident of Flagstaff, Arizona; her family relocated when she was a kid. They lived out “in the country” where her parents could listen to their music as loud as they’d like (and loud it was!) and she could sing at the top of her lungs without anybody noticing (shy, she was). Her vocal influences include Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson and Chrissie Hynde. She loves rock & roll, alternative, punk and 80’s pop and brings fantastic energy to stage with her unique vocal style and inability to stand still behind the microphone.

The band’s guitar player, “Too Tall” John Lutz, has lived in Flagstaff for 25 years, and is originally from Greenville NC. He is a veteran guitar player who has been playing in bands for 32 years. A couple of local bands he has played in are Tommy Dukes and Buckit. His playing is influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughn, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Santana, Van Halen, and Nirvana. John also lends vocals to the band.

Ray Flagg, Rock Nine’s bassist, is originally from Michigan and has lived in northern Arizona since the early 90's. A lifetime lover of music Ray didn't pick up the guitar until 2008. Mostly self-taught, things quickly escalated when he hooked up with some like-minded players.

Ward Bailey has been a fixture of the Flagstaff music scene for as long as many recall. He’s joined a bunch of music projects over the years and is a popular fill-in drummer for local and visiting bands. You’ll often see him playing as a member of the Grateful Dead cover band Flagship of Fools and with the Cadillac Angels when they come to Flag. A self-employed entrepreneur, Ward also enjoys being a photographer and outdoor enthusiast when not seated on his throne.