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NIU musician sings on Grammy-nominated CD

December 12, 2013
Mike Mixtacki

Mike Mixtacki

Michael Mixtacki, instructor of percussion in the NIU School of Music, provided vocals for a Grammy-nominated CD.

Mixtacki, who teaches percussion, co-directs the Percussion Ensemble and directs the Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban Folkloric ensembles, can be heard on “Latin Jazz●Jazz Latin” by the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet. The disc is nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album (scroll to No. 35).

Before coming to NIU in 2012, Mitacki studied under percussionist Michael Spiro at Indiana University, where he earned a master’s degree in percussion performance. Spiro is the percussionist for the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet.

Mixtacki also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Grammy winners are announced Sunday, Jan. 26, during  a 7 p.m. live broadcast on CBS.