Rubin returned to Cleveland, where she began singing in many of the city's clubs and hotels and performing with the best of the city's Musicians. She also formed and managed her first group, consisting of organ, guitar, vibes and drums. Soon after she moved to New York City in 1982, she performed at Sweet Basil and the Village Vanguard with the Pharoah Sanders Quartet. She then began to study with Pianist Barry Harris at his Jazz Cultural Theatre.
