Kathy Mattea
PROJECTS:
Hailed by The Washington Post as “one of Nashville’s finest song interpreters,” Kathy Mattea has enjoyed much success and acclaim during her 40-year career in Country, Bluegrass and Folk music, including 2 Grammy wins, 4 CMA Awards, 4 #1 country singles, and five gold albums (plus a platinum Greatest Hits collection). Her latest album is Pretty Bird, produced by her old friend, roots music wizard Tim O’Brien. The wide-ranging collection of songs chronicles a period of rededication to singing, digging back in with a vocal coach and emerging with a poignant and eclectic CD. In addition to creating and recording music and performing live on tour, Kathy is increasingly involved with public broadcasting, consulting and contributing on screen in Ken Burns’ 2019 documentary for PBS Country Music, and recently replacing founder Larry Groce as the host of the long-running NPR show Mountain Stage.
A WINTER GATHERING WITH KATHY MATTEA: Good News and Other Favorites
Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea brings her deep acoustic music roots to an original and traditional Christmas holiday music program. Led by her warm and soulful vocals and deft arrangements, Kathy’s stellar band, assembled for this tour with some of Nashville’s finest musicians, brings a fresh take on a wide range of songs of the season: from well loved traditional tunes to selections from 1993’s Grammy winning Good News album and 2003’s acclaimed Joy for Christmas Day, to her breakthrough recording of the iconic “Mary, Did You Know?”.
Spread the Good News: Kathy Mattea and company are here for the 2024 Holiday Season!!
SYMPHONY
Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea has an innate ability to connect intimately with any audience, whether performing in an acoustic trio or alongside a full symphony orchestra. Author Barbara Kingsolver writes, “The particular genius of Kathy Mattea is to call up the touchstones of hope and heartbreak that we all carry in our pockets.” Featuring her signature blend of Appalachian roots, bluegrass, and folk, Kathy’s symphonic program includes recent compositions interspersed with her classic hits like “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “455 Rocket,” and “Where’ve You Been?” This performance has delighted audiences of the National Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Buffalo Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony, and many other esteemed orchestras.
Kathy’s acclaimed Songs And The Season holiday program is also available for symphony performances. A thoughtful blend of old favorites and music from her celebrated holiday albums, Joy For Christmas Day and the Grammy Award winning Good News, Kathy’s Songs And The Season adds a new layer of artistic and spiritual growth to the long tradition of holiday music. Click here to download a one sheet with more information about Songs And The Season.
TEACHING/SPEAKING
The unmistakable voice of Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea explores music’s most basic human essence through timeless melodies and uplifting narratives. Singer, musician, songwriter, public speaker, activist: Mattea’s music and message have taken her to venues across America from Maine to Alaska, and overseas from England to Morocco, from college campuses to capitol buildings, and from festivals to concert halls. Mattea’s music has spoken to millions of people during her 30-plus years as a recording and touring artist. Increasingly in demand as a public speaker, she has found a growing audience for the words and ideas she has to offer on a variety of issues, ranging from arts education to finding your creative path to global climate change, regularly presenting keynotes and educational programs at colleges and civic venues, both as stand-alones and in conjunction with concert appearances. Often interweaving her message with musical selections, Kathy’s speeches and keynotes seek to provide her audience with spiritual nourishment: food not only for thought, but also for the soul. An accomplished speaker, Mattea was chosen to deliver keynote addresses at the Arts Northwest, Performing Arts Exchange, Climate Reality Project, and National Assembly of State Arts Agencies conferences.
PRESS QUOTES:
“One of country music’s most successful artists of the past several decades”
Rolling Stone
“Mattea remains one of Nashville’s most spiritual singers, and the songs she sings about love lost and humility are as fine as any she has recorded”
USA Today
“Her voice stands out as a rare blend of warmth and power”
Hartford Courant
“Kathy Mattea has never stuck to conventions within any genre: a country-music hitmaker in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Mattea has also made forays into Scottish folk, gospel and roots music”
NPR
