Katie Trautz: 7 Jan 2015 on Rocket Shop

 Words by Eva Weber.  Photo by Sophie Ward.

Katie Trautz, native Vermont fiddler and violinist, sat down with Brent in the Radiator Studio for Big Heavy World's Rocket Shop local music radio hour on Wednesday night! She has played violin for over twenty years, and fiddle, guitar, and banjo for almost as long, touring nationally and internationally with her numerous musical ensembles. She specializes in traditional music and folk songs, but says that her interests and music have truly evolved over the years and the genres she has explored are diverse; according to Katie, it has been "a literal journey, both around the world and with the evolution of my style." These journeys take her from Scandinavia to Louisiana, where she plays traditional Cajun and American roots music and attends the annual BlackPot Festival, which includes live music and a cook-off.  When asked about her relationships with each instrument, she commented that the guitar and fiddle are more social instruments, to break out to jam with friends or with a band, while her violin is more private; an instrument for songwriting in solitude. Katie is also the co-founder of The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture in Montpelier, Vermont, a non-profit music school for kids and adults that focuses on traditional styles of music.  Katie calls this the second of her two passions, and from her enthusiasm and warmth it is apparent to all who hear her speak about the Summit School that she has found a deep and true calling outside of her performance.  Check out more about Katie, The Summit School, or catch her live at the Spice on Snow Winter Fest in Montpelier on January 16-18, or at Charlie-O's in Montpelier on January 21. [powerpress]