Kaia Kater

As part of the Appalachian 100 series at Cecil Sharp House, celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Cecil Sharp's Appalachian field trip, Kaia Kater performs on Saturday 16 July, directly after the conference programmed by the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.

The Appalachian Mountains, perhaps the most iconic strongholds of traditional music in North American history, form a direct line running from eastern Canada down through Alabama. They are the backbone of a body of ballads and tunes that define Americana and have heavily influenced Canadian roots music as well. Few are more conscious and intentional in their journey through Appalachian histories and musical treasures than Kaia Kater.

Born in Quebec of mixed Afro-Caribbean ancestry, she now resides in Toronto and spends extensive time in West Virginia, where she ardently studies balladry and traditional dance. As an original songwriter, she works to incorporate her perspective as one of the few people of color in roots music into the complex racial history of the traditions themselves. Her music combines beautifully subtle old-time banjo with soft sensibilities, mixing elements of both Canadian and American historical traditions with a decidedly modern sound.

Kaia Kater is lauded for being one of the youngest performers in the roots scene, and at 22 years old, there’s not much arguing her progeny. But what’s special is that she’s blowing up the roots music scene in spite of her age, not because of it. Her old-time banjo-picking skills, deft arrangements, and songwriting abilities have landed her in the national spotlight on both Canadian and American soil.

The performance starts at 7.30pm.

Programmed by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.