Kate  born and raised in Portland, Maine, where she found her voice in church cantoring at the age of 5 through most of junior high school. Sometimes unable to read the music on the page and certain lyrics due to young age, her memorization, ear for language, and emotionally execution was apparent. Classically trained, Kate spent the first 10  years of performance singing in German, Italian, and French, and cabaret songs. Early songwriting began with piano and writing down lyrics on calendars and on the back of books. Kate couldn’t wait for choir, voice lessons, and spent most of my time planning her future life in NYC. An unusual but concentrated pursuit that has led to a career of 20 years of songs and performance collaborations.

Kate eventually did move to New York City to study at Manhattaville College and realized the pursuit was music over theater, song and dance. After transferring to Wagner College and studying under the late Lynne Vardaman. Lynne encourage Kate to pursue voice and sing with her whole sound. Though Kate did not expand on a career in vocal training and classical msuic, she dove into the vibrant NYC music scene—back when it buzzed with life—performing across Arlene’s Grocery, The Bitter End, Bowery Electric, and the venue formally known as Rockwood Music Hall.  One of the most impactful music experiences was her brief, 2 year departure to work in Colorado. A love story and a new EP “Ghost” emerged from these travels, as well as incredible female fronted band leading across CO springs to Aspen. 

With extensive NYC to CO recording experiece, band leading, vocals, backing vocals, she accepted a role with Plush Music in Maine as she had her daughter, Emma. Returning back to her roots of southern, Maine was powerful to continue writing and living in a rural beach town. Her single “Ocean Avenue” was developed during a post partum haze, and released only to YouTube in 2022. Kate’s full music library is available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube under her former name “Kate Merrill Music.” 

Despite working with function bands, top 100 music, International Musicians League (Silver Arrow Band) for nearly 10 + years, Kate is excited to announce her latest original writing, updated services, and a special offering of celebration of life music to honor loved ones. 

From corporate events to weddings and ceremonies of life, Kates warm, rich alto - mezzo soprano voice provides an added depth of emotion to your event. Kate identifies the perfect instrumentation, songs, and accompaniment based on the client and in reflection of the needs of the event. Whether it is a corporate event, cocktail hour, or reception, Kate wants to work with you to make your event memorable. 

Book Kate today and have develop a unique and cherished musical accompaniment for your corporate event, wedding, or honoring a recently passed loved one.