A good many serious bluegrass fans were surprised by some of the names on the list of IBMA’s 2016 World of Bluegrass Showcase artists invited to perform at their convention in Raleigh, NC later this year. Some were new acts understandably unfamiliar to bluegrass followers, with others coming from outside the realm of mainstream grass.
One of the invited artists who fits in both of those categories is the young banjoist and singer, Kaia Kater. Born in Quebec of African-Caribbean descent, she not only learned the traditions of Canadian folk music in her home, but spent a good bit of time in West Virginia absorbing old time Appalachian music as well.
Kater’s new album, Nine Pin, is due to hit this week and she has released this music video in anticipation. It’s a banjo/fiddle rendition of the American fiddle tune, Fine Times At Our House, performed smartly with Chris Bartos on fiddle. Kaia even cuts loose for a bit of flat footin’ before they’re finished.
Nine Pin is scheduled for a May 13 release on Kingswood Records. Pre-orders are being accepted now through Pledge Music to be shipped on the 13th.
And look for Kaia in Raleigh at the end of September.
