Now celebrating our 15th year of bringing it to you from the backroads...STEEL TOE ORIGINALS-ROOTS JAZZBLUES-HOT SWING-VINT COUNTRY-ROCK & FOLK

Call it fate, destiny, kismet or just good ol' karma…whatever, there was something in the air when the paths of singer Kathleen Kraft and guitarist Doug Hedstrom collided on a late dark night outside a crossroads country store in the piedmonts of Virginia. As they chatted next to Doug's vintage Willys pickup, new musings on the evolution of Kathleen's music group, "kat & the travelers", began to stir.  Turned out along with his vintage truck, his collection of vintage amps, big body guitars and telecasters, the self proclaimed "just a country guitar player" also had a stash of jazz-blues chords in his back pocket~ a perfect compliment to Kathleen's vocal styles. With Doug's longtime music collaborator, bassist Kelley Chapman onboard, their fresh musical journey took off and they've been enjoying the ride ever since.

With diverse musical backgrounds of R&B, soul, country, big band, jazz, swing, blues and hillbilly boogie stowed in their packs, kat & the travelers fuel their own "backroads take" on the timeless compositions of America's Roots Music... jazzblues, hot swing, vintage country, folk, rock...with contagious energy and affection... and fill you up in between with their steel toe originals.
 
Now backed by the solid bass of Michael Haag and jazz chops of drummer Quintas Mills, guitarist Doug Hedstrom's high gear, free wheeling playing style continues to win praise... and provides a noted compliment to the band's front seat singer, Kathleen Kraft, whose vocals whisper and shine on ephemeral ballads, ring out sweet and clear on jazz notes, and still get gritty with those old school blues.

The band has been featured live on 90.7FM WMRA's Blues Valley Radio Show, 88.7FM WXJM's Radio Show, STAR94.3FM Shenandoah Valley Local Music Hour and has made repeat appearances at Virginia's cafes, wineries, breweries, clubs, listening rooms, galleries, theaters, house concerts, festivals, and private and community events.

Area listeners may also have caught the band's inclusion in the CVBS IBC Blues Challenge Showcase, benefit CD Charlottesville's Christmas Songbook featured on WNRN, benefit CD OCP's Our Christmas Present, as well as a finalist in regional Songwriters Showcases

Past performances include:
Live on 90.7FM WMRA's Blues Valley Radio Show, Live on 88.7FM WXJM's Radio Show, STAR94.3FM Shenandoah Valley Local Music Hour, Clementine Cafe, Fridays on the Square Summer Music Festival, Annual Summer Blues & Brews Festival, Cork & Blues Festival, The Judy Chops Cabaret, 2 Pond Farm Music Festival, First Night Harrisonburg, Ashland Coffee & Tea, Pale Fire Brewing Company, Summer Concert Series at Stonefield, Albemarle CiderWorks, DuCard Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, Castle Hill Cider, Knight's Gambit Winery, Cunningham Creek Winery, Stinson Vineyards, Prince Michel Winery, Skipping Rock Brewery, Brewing Tree Beer, Third Hill Winery at DeMello Vineyards, Barren Ridge Vineyards, Prince Michel Vineyards, OCP's Summer Lawn Jam, Jazz Night at The Mockingbird, Staunton Public Library, Bricks Lounge, The Patio House Concerts, Grace Estate Winery, Yelping Dog Wine Bar, Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company, Shenandoah Hops, OCP's Annual Christmas Concerts, The Hot Spot, Glass House Winery, Colonnades, Lodge at Old Trail, Beyond Restaurant & Lounge, Concerts With A View House Concerts, Victory Hall Theater, Bon Cafe, Dr. Ho's, Three Penny Cafe, James River Brewing Company, Mountfair Vineyards, Blue Moon Diner, Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Fairfield Center's Harvest Gala, Valley Aids Network Benefit, Wine On Water Wine Bar, Cave Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Rock N' Ridgeview Summer Concert Series, Jimmy Anderson's, Martha Jefferson House, Bluestone Vineyards, Burton Galleries House Concerts, Valley 4th Independence Day Celebration, Rapunzel's Jazz Society, Central Virginia Blues Society, The Hamner Theater, Rapunzel's, Darjeeling Cafe, Plank Road Exchange, George Bowers Grocery, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Little Grill Collective, The Gateway Theatre, The Clocktower's Downtown 27 Stage, Batesville Store, Shenandoah Pizza & Tap House, Harrisonburg's First Fridays, OCP's Second Saturday Nights Out, Pennybackers, CrossKeys Vineyards, Schultz Theatre, Downtown Music 34, Turner Pavilion's Music at the Market, Oasis Gallery, Earth & Tea Cafe, The Local Bar at the Local Chop & Grill House, Francesco's, L'italia Lounge, Little Gems Music Festival, North River Grill, Private Events and others.

Artists we admire: It's a never ending list...
Influences: Find em' everywhere in every little thing...
Mode of travel: Passing through life on a wish and a song.....
Band interests: Making music together whenever and where ever we can... 
Mission: Life is beautiful and so is its music...We are enjoying the ride. 
 
 

We love you for supporting live local music~hope to see you out with us sometime soon!

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Previous events

Jul28

kat & the travelers at Ciders From Mars

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Ciders From Mars, 121 S Lewis St, Staunton, VA 24401

Looking so forward to our first show at this new venue for us! CFM cultivates a communal center around cider, art, and music. Offering single-varietal cider classics, modern blends, fruit forward co-ferments with auxiliary Virginia fruits. Tap-room, outdoor deck seating. See CFM's website for all safety guidelines and restrictions. www.cidersfrommars.com

Jul15

kat & the travelers at Prince Michel

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Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, 154 Winery Lane , Leon VA 22725

Heading back to Prince Michel at their main location in Leon. Fine wines, craft beers, ciders, pub fare in a lovely setting. Come join us for a Saturday afternoon and we'll celebrate the summer season together! No cover. See Prince Michel's website for all safety guidelines and restrictions. 154 Winery Lane, just off Rt 29 www.princemichel.com

Jul14

kat & the travelers at DuCard

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DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan, VA

Too many great years playing here to count and we're looking forward to returning once again to beautiful DuCard Vineyards! A lovely country drive, fine wines, fantastic hosts, and that sweet setting in the mountain hollow. No cover. Picnic baskets welcome. See DuCard's website for any safety guidelines and restrictions. www.ducardvineyards.com

Jun24

kat & the travelers at Shenandoah Wine Festival

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Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601

We are thrilled to be invited to perform at this lovely Festival to celebrate the wines and culture of the Shenandoah Valley. Wine tastings, live music, craft vendors and food trucks on the grounds of the beautiful Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Festival hours 1-7pm. We perform 3-4:30pm. For info and tickets: www.shenandoahvalleywinetrail.com

Jun23

kat & the travelers at Eastwood

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Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

We are excited to have Eastwood as a new venue on our schedule this year! Come join us for a summer Friday eve wind down! Women-owned, family-operated, 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and UVA. Tasting room menu, onsite food truck, fine wines as well as craft beers and ciders. No cover. See Eastwood's website for any safety guidelines and restrictions. www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Jun9

kat & the travelers at Brix & Columns

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Brix & Columns Vineyards, 1501 Dave Berry Rd, McGaheysville, VA 22840

A new venue for us this year! With beautiful views, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, 15 minutes east of Harrisonburg, less than 10 minutes from Massanutten Village Resort. Delicious wines, local hard ciders, and other non-alcoholic beverages available. Enjoy Cosmic Smoke-N-BBQ Food Truck or bring your own dinner. No cover. See Brix's website for any safety guidelines and restrictions. www.brixandcolumns.com

May29

kat & the travelers at Cave Ridge

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Cave Ridge Vineyard & Winery, 1476 Conicville Rd, Mt. Jackson VA

SUMMER IS HERE! Come celebrate with us on this Memorial Day Holiday weekend! kat & the travelers have returned for years now on this weekend to beautiful Cave Ridge Vineyard and we are so pleased to do it all again. Join us on the patio for a Monday holiday afternoon toast to the arrival of the Summer Season! First rate wines, light fare available or bring your basket. No cover. Outdoor show. Patio, large covered pavilion, tables and lawn seating available. See Cave Ridge's website for any safety guidelines and restrictions. www.caveridge.com

May20

kat & the travelers at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

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Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, 154 Winery Lane , Leon VA 22725

Heading back to Prince Michel with our live music at their main location in Leon! Home to Prince Michel and Rapidan River Wines, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is one of the east coast’s premier wine estates as well as one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Featuring a lovely setting, tastings and tours, and large gift shop. It's Springtime! Come join us for a fun Saturday afternoon in Virginia's beautiful month of May! No cover. See Prince Michel's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.princemichel.com

Apr30

kat & the travelers at Pippin Hill

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Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, 5022 Plank Road, North Garden VA

Please join us in celebrating Spring's return on a Sunday afternoon at this breathtaking spot overlooking our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. Wine tastings on the beautiful open air portico along with the Restaurant's gourmet menu offerings. Reservations for restaurant tables encouraged. Lawn seating also available on spacious grounds. No cover. See Pippin Hill's website for any safety guidelines and restrictions.  www.pippinhillfarm.com

Apr22

kat & the travelers at Eastwood Farm & Winery

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Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Let's celebrate Earth Day together at Eastwood, a new venue on our schedule this year! Come join us in this lovely farm setting on a new Spring afternoon! Sitting on the West side of Carters Mountain Ridge with 77 acres of rolling hills, mountain views, apple and pear orchards, raspberry vines and enchanted forests, the farm offers natural beauty all around. Women-owned, family-operated, 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and UVA. Multiple spaces to enjoy, plus walking trails, delicious tasting room menu, onsite food truck, fine wines as well as craft beers and ciders. No cover. See Eastwood's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Mar25

kat & the travelers at Glass House Winery

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Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Road, Free Union, VA

Always excited to make our way back to gorgeous Glass House! Bring your family & friends and enjoy the lovely country drive to the tropical atmosphere waiting for you here in the Winery's Conservatory filled with tropical plants~a most unique setting. And plenty of open space on their back deck and extensive lawns along the pretty pond. Great wines and our roots jazz-blues, hot swing, vintage country, rock & folk, and originals make for a fine & fun end of winter celebration. Say yes! No cover. Picnic baskets welcome. See Glass House's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.glasshousewinery.com 

Mar11

kat & the travelers at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

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Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, 154 Winery Lane , Leon VA 22725

Heading back to Prince Michel at their main location in Leon! Home to Prince Michel and Rapidan River Wines, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is one of the east coast’s premier wine estates as well as one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Featuring fine wines and craft beers in a lovely setting, pub fare, tastings and tours, large gift shop. Come join us for a Saturday afternoon in the barrel room and we'll celebrate the coming of Spring! No cover. See Prince Michel's website for all safety guidelines & restrictions. www.princemichel.com

Feb25

kat & the travelers at Eastwood Farm & Winery

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Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Happy to return to Eastwood, a new venue on our schedule this year! Come join us in a warming setting for Saturday afternoon! Sitting on the West side of Carters Mountain Ridge with 77 acres of rolling hills, mountain views, apple and pear orchards, raspberry vines and enchanted forests, the farm offers natural beauty all around. Women-owned, family-operated, 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and UVA. Multiple spaces to enjoy, plus walking trails, delicious tasting room menu, onsite food truck, fine wines as well as craft beers and ciders. No cover. See Eastwood's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Jan20

kat & the travelers at Eastwood Farm & Winery

 —  —

Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

We are excited to have Eastwood as a new venue on our schedule this year! Come join us for a winter's Saturday eve wind down! Sitting on the West side of Carters Mountain Ridge with 77 acres of rolling hills, mountain views, apple and pear orchards, raspberry vines and enchanted forests, the farm offers natural beauty all around. Women-owned, family-operated, 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville and UVA. Multiple spaces to enjoy, plus walking trails, delicious tasting room menu, onsite food truck, fine wines as well as craft beers and ciders. No cover. See Eastwood's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

Jan14

kat & the travelers at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

 —  —

Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, 154 Winery Lane , Leon VA 22725

Looking forward to bringing our live music back to Prince Michel in a brand new year at their main location in Leon! Home to Prince Michel and Rapidan River Wines, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is one of the east coast’s premier wine estates as well as one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Featuring fine wines and craft beers a lovely setting, pub fare, tastings and tours, gift shop. Come join us for a winter's Saturday afternoon in the barrel room! No cover. See Prince Michel's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.princemichel.com

Dec3

kat & the travelers at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

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Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, 154 Winery Lane , Leon VA 22725

It's the holiday season and we're bringing our live music back to Prince Michel at their main location in Leon! Home to Prince Michel and Rapidan River Wines, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is one of the east coast’s premier wine estates as well as one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Featuring a lovely setting, tastings and tours, and gift shop. Come join us for a festive Saturday evening toast to the season! No cover. See Prince Michel's website for all safety guidelines & restrictions.  www.princemichel.com

Nov27

kat & the travelers at Glass House Winery

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Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Road, Free Union, VA

Thanksgiving Sunday! Excited to make our way back to gorgeous Glass House on Thanksgiving Weekend! Bring your visiting family & friends and enjoy the lovely country drive to the tropical atmosphere waiting for you here in the Winery's Conservatory filled with tropical plants~a most unique setting. And plenty of open space on their back deck and extensive lawns along the pretty pond. Great wines and our roots jazz-blues, hot swing, vintage country, rock & folk, and originals make for a fine and fun extension of the holiday festivities. Say yes! No cover. Picnic baskets welcome. See Glass House's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions.  www.glasshousewinery.com 

Nov5

So very pleased to play at Third Hill several times in 2022! And now we return for Autumn leaf color! Third Hill at De Mello Vineyards celebrates the historic Shenandoah Valley with a relaxing porch, views all around, and a charming interior embracing the area's essence...an ambiance just right to enjoy our tunes along with fine wines in a great Virginia State of mind! Located just a jump off highway 81 between the towns of Woodstock and Harrisonburg, in the village of Quicksburg. Great stop if you're on the way to Bryce Resort or after an afternoon in Historic New Market. Picnic baskets welcome. Cheese plates available. No cover. See Third Hill's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. www.demellovineyardsthirdhillwinery.com

Oct22

kat & the travelers at DuCard Vineyards

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DuCard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan, VA

It's Fall! And no better spot to soak in the beauty of the Autumn season with us than at pretty DuCard Vineyards. A lovely country drive takes us to their wonderful selection of fine wines, fantastic hosts, and that sweet setting in the hollow...All that goodness as we play from 2:30-5:30pm under great mountain views...we're in heaven! Come on out with us! Outdoor event. Lots of lawn seating on spacious grounds. No cover. Picnic baskets welcome. See DuCard's website for any safety guidelines & restrictions. Etlan (Madison County) VA  www.ducardvineyards.com

Oct8

We're playing at Skipping Rock's Oktoberfest! Celebrate awesome Autumn with fantastic craft brews and our live music! In the heart of Augusta County, VA, their taproom is located in a sweet setting 1 mile west of the City of Staunton on Parkersburg Turnpike/RT 254. With a relaxed feel, it’s the perfect place to bring family and friends for great craft brews and our tunes! Food trucks often available. Picnic baskets welcome. Outdoor patio show weather permitting. No cover. See Skipping Rock's website for more info on Oktoberfest activities and offerings and for any safety guidelines and restrictions. www.skippingrockbeer.com