Kate Reid

Hello Everyone!

Spring has sprung on Bowen Island and despite the buckets of rain that continue to come down, I am thrilled. I have been planting seeds and some small plants, getting our two new raised beds prepared for the influx of seedlings that have been sprouting in our living room. Right now, I’m sitting in a coffee shop on Main Street in Vancouver, trying to get this newsletter done…it takes me a long time to decide on what to say in my newsletter because I often deliberate endlessly over word usage (surprising, right? ), what experiences to share etc.  So, I shall jump in….

Update on my recording project for LGBTQQ families:  
For those of you who are curious about how the songs are sounding, I have uploaded three of the new songs on Soundcloud for your listening pleasure! You can only listen to them on Soundcloud-they aren’t downloadable yet because they are works-in-progress…there are still some mistakes and editing parts to do but I just wanted to give you a taste of what we’ve been working on. We are aiming for 18 songs on this album. Here are three previews for you: http://soundcloud.com/katereid-1.

Many people have donated to help make this project possible…thank-you so very much! Each donation is so appreciated! My goal for this part of the project is $12000.00 and we have raised $5,000.00 so far. We still need your help to complete this important project. We have yet to wrap up a bit of recording as well as mixing, mastering (two important parts of the recording process), the artwork (my talented, artistic sister, Amy, is in the process of drawing the cover art, amidst raising three rambunctious boys!), design layout and manufacturing of the cds. Then, there is the teacher’s manual I am writing to go along with the album: I have been working on lessons and activities that teachers can pair with the songs when they teach about issues like diversity, family, homophobia, acceptance, gender and sexuality. I have teamed up with some really amazing advisors who are helping me refine my lessons and activities and I am grateful for their assistance. We also need to fund the design layout and manufacturing/copying for this manual as well.

Please help us finish this huge and timely project! You can donate via Paypal, email transfer to my email address (kate@katereid.net) or cheque (Kate Reid, 410-2416 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3E2)….or just send me an email to inquire how you can assist us financially! Below are a bunch of options you can choose from, each with fabulous prizes in return for your generosity:

$25.00 or more - The Digital Reid Fan Pack
-a digital download of the album before its release
-a digital copy of the poster for the new release

$50.00 or more - The Gimme the Tunes Reid Fan Pack
-the above PLUS
-an autographed cd copy of the new album

$75.00 or more  - The Basic Reid Fan Pack
-all the above PLUS
-an autographed copy of  the poster for the new release

$100.00 or more - The Essential Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-Official Kate Reid press kit (This is a collector’s item: a press kit  is used to secure gigs and I send this out to festivals, promoters and presenters. It includes my bio/onesheet, a poster, a copy of  the ‘Doing it for the Chicks’ cd, a postcard, business card and some of the print press I have had)
-handwritten and autographed lyrics of one song of your choice from any of my albums

$250.00 or more - The Ultimate Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-Your name in the liner notes as a sponsor of this album
-You and a friend on the guest list for a Kate Reid concert in a town or city near you

$500.00 or more   -   The Elite Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-1/2 skype conversation with me (We’ll chat face-to-face on skype and you can ask me anything about song-writing, the music biz, what life is like as a queer/woman musician, my cats, what hair product I use…)

$1,000.00 or more - The  Hardcore Reid Fan Pack  
-all of the above PLUS
-lunch in Vancouver with yours truly (you pay your own travel, I buy lunch and we hang out and talk over a meal for an hour)

$1500.00 or more - The  Super Hardcore Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-private house concert for you and your friends in your house (plus travel and accommodation unless you are within 2 hours drive from Vancouver in which case, I will handle my travel and accommodation)

$2,000.00 or more - The Out-of-this-World Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-dinner and a house concert at my place on Bowen Island (just a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver) for you and 7 of your friends (you get yourself here, I provide the dinner and entertainment. There are several amazing B and B’s on Bowen that I could send you the links for plus there is beautiful hiking, walking and wonderful artisans and cafes on this sweet little island. You could make a weekend of it!)

Germany Tour:
I’m leaving this Sunday for Germany to do a 7-show tour with fellow folkies, Auto Jansz (www.autojansz.com) and Andrea June http://andreajune.bandcamp.com. Find them on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auto-Jansz-Andrea-June/127012907419039. And http://autojanszandreajune.bandcamp.com is their shared Bandcamp page. Of course, my amazing, bi-lingual partner, Maike, will be coming as our tour manager and our translator! She’s German born and raised which will come in very handy on our tour! Here are the dates for our 2 ½ week musical adventure in Deutschland:

Thursday, May 10th, 2012
Palette-8pm
Kehrwieder 1 24376 Kappeln

Friday, May 11th, 2012
Cafe Endlich-7pm
Dragonerstall 11-20355 Hamburg

Saturday, May 12th, 2012
Cafe Begine-8pm
Potsdamer Str. 139 Berlin-Schöneberg 10783

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Hansa 48-Theatre Alternative-8pm
Hansa Strasse 48 Kiel 24118

Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Astra Stube-8pm
Max-Brauer-Allee 200 Hamburg 22769

Friday, May 18th, 2012
Speicher-8:30pm
Hafenstr. 17 Husum D-25813

Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Music Star-8pm
Marktplatz 11 Norderstedt 22844

Canadian shows in June, July and August:
Some of the upcoming highlights of my summer include performing at Tri-Pride (Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, Ontario) Edmonton Pride, Stan Rogers Festival (Canso, Nova Scotia), Blue Skies Festival (Clarendon, Ontario), Royal City Pride (New Westminster, BC) and Music on the Mountain Festival (Fort St. James, BC). I have a bunch of other shows and house concerts throughout the summer, too. Here is a link to my calendar so you can see the full-meal-deal: www.katereid.net/calendar.

Camp fYrefly:
As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, I am going to be the artist-in-residence at this summer’s Camp fYrefly in Edmonton. Camp fYrefly is a 4-day, kick-ass, leadership camp for gender and sexual minority youth. Can’t wait for this! The deadlines for applications are: camper: Friday, May 18, youth leader: Friday, May 18, adult volunteer: Friday, May 18, workshop presenter: Friday, June 22. For complete deets on the awesomeness that is Camp fYrefly, go to: http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca.

House concerts:
I have been booking house concerts for the summer and if you would like me to come and perform in your living room for you and your friends, drop me a line at kate@katereid.net. I would love to entertain you in your home! J

School Workshops:
I have started doing workshops on diversity, homophobia and acceptance in schools. If you would like me to come to your school to facilitate a workshop or do a concert for your class or Gay-Straight Alliance, please drop me a line at kate@katereid.net and we can set it up. I can also send you a copy of my brochure if you would like.

Find me on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Reid-Fan-Page
Find me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/katereid

That’s all from the coffee shop on Main and 14^th. Sending you all warm spring vibes from the west coast! Thank-you so much for reading and for listening to my music…I am thrilled to be able to make music for all of you.

Have a grand month of May!
Love,
Katexo

 

Hello Out There....music lovers, activists, life-explorers, friends and family;

How are you all doing? Welcome to my email list, if you are new here, thank-you for joining! I'm excited to share my creative journey with you. And thank-you to all of my existing readers and listeners. Many of you have been here since the beginning and I am grateful for your support.

I hope you are all well: struggling on, moving forward, noticing the things in your life you have to change and loving the parts that are working. I am learning more about myself, about life and my part in this world everyday. Some days are difficult and heavy and some days are awe-inspiring and light. I have realized that welcoming the hard parts as a gift is what I need to do. I have learned that without challenge and hardship, I would not know what is truly amazing and magical in my life. Without the comparison to the difficult, I would not see the blessings I have received...even the tiny ones.

Another thing I do know is that creativity is vital. I recently spent a thoroughly enjoyable, productive and energizing time down at my friend's cabin in New Mexico and I am so grateful for my time there. I am also grateful for my life here at home and for my partner who allows me to follow my creative heart and do my soul work. For me, creating is a spiritual act and writing and singing is my connection to the Divine. It's an expression of the self, myself and it also helps me to carve out the reason for my existence. I am starting to see creativity, in all its forms, as part of my daily work, alongside the administrative work I have to do to keep my career moving.

If you need to create, and most of us do, no matter what it is, do it. It doesn't have to be good, it just has to be yours. And, the more you create, the more the good stuff will come in.

Sponsorship Program for The LGBTQQ Family Album:
Speaking of creating, many of you know that I am in the middle of my fourth project: an album for LGBTQQ families, youth and children. This album is the first of its kind and it is also close to my heart in way that none of the other albums were. It touches on so many issues that young people and adults face: from bullying to gender identity, what it's like having same-sex parents to the celebration of our differences, the difficulties and joys of coming out and the impact of other people's fears, to fighting stereotypes and negative beliefs, to the different definitions of families...it's all here in this album that has allowed me the creative freedom to play with jazz, ska, rock, hip-hop along with the folk-roots and country vibe that I am known for. I love this album and it's been a joy to work with Adam Popowitz (Pacifika), Mel Watson (Fruit), Toby Peter (Pacifika), Richard Brown, CR Avery, Christina Zaenkar (Morlove) and Tim Tweedale, to name a few of the incredible people on this project. What can I say? I LOVE my job!

We are still in the middle of getting this big baby off the ground and we could really use your help! I would be grateful and honoured if you and your friends and family could help contribute to the making of this album by choosing an option below to donate. We have come up with some fun prizes for you and hope that you are able to help us! Here are your options: 

$25.00 or more - The Digital Reid Fan Pack
-a digital download of the album before its release
-a digital copy of the poster for the new release

$50.00 or more - The Gimme the Tunes Reid Fan Pack
-the above PLUS
-an autographed cd copy of the new album

$75.00 or more - The Basic Reid Fan Pack
-all the above PLUS
-an autographed copy of the poster for
the new release

$100.00 or more - The Essential Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-Official Kate Reid press kit (This is a collector’s item: a press kit is used to secure gigs and I send this out to festivals, promoters and presenters. It includes my bio/onesheet, a poster, a copy of the ‘Doing it for the Chicks’ cd, a postcard, business card and some of the print press I have had)
-handwritten and autographed lyrics of one song of your choice from any of my
albums

$250.00 or more - The Ultimate Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-Your name in the liner notes as a sponsor of this album
-You and a friend on the guest list for a Kate Reid concert in a town or city near you

$500.00 or more - The Elite Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-1/2 skype conversation (We’ll chat face-to-face on skype and you can ask me anything about song-writing, the music biz, what life is like as a queer/woman musician, my cats, what hair product I use…)

$1,000.00 or more -The Hardcore Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-lunch in Vancouver with yours truly (you pay your own travel, I buy lunch and
we hang out and talk over a meal for an hour)

$1500.00 or more - The Super Hardcore Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-private house concert for you and your friends in your house (plus travel and accommodation unless you are within 2 hours drive from Vancouver in which case, I will handle my travel and accommodation)

$2,000.00 or more - The Out-of-this-World Reid Fan Pack
-all of the above PLUS
-dinner and a house concert at my place on Bowen Island (just a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver) for you and 7 of your friends (you get yourself here, my partner and I will provide the dinner and I will provide the entertainment. There are several amazing B and B’s on BowenIsland that I could send you the links for plus there is beautiful hiking, walking and wonderful artisans and cafes on this sweet little island. You could make a weekend of it! And, I wouldn't be adverse to taking all of you for a dayhike up Mt. Gardner...it's a grind but the payoff at the top is a spectacular view of Vancouver, the Georgia Straight, the Gulf Island, the Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island.)

If you are willing, able and inspired to donate, please email me and we can talk about to make it happen. I would be thrilled to hear from you! (kate@katereid.net) :-)

In other news....

LIVE TOUR DATES...Germany and Canada dates: I am doing a tour in Germany this May!
We are adding new dates to my calendar, so please feel free to check it out for a show new you (www.katereid.net/calendar). I just got confirmed for Tri-Pride in Kitchener on June 2...woot! My old stomping grounds....I remember the days of cruising King Street in Kitchener with my 80's hair and tight jeans in my parents' blue Oldsmobile with the Aerosmith cranked on the tape deck (Mom, don't get mad!), looking for something to do on a Friday night. Coming back to do Pride will be a trip! :-)

ROCK THE MIC - Vancouver's Only Open Mic for Women this Sunday, April 1st, 5-8pm...no joke!
We had a great time last month and we're doing it again. If you are a woman (transwomen welcome!) and would love to perform in a supportive environment at Vancouver's oldest live music venue, come down to the Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC) this Sunday, April 1 from 5-8pm to play us a couple of tunes. I do an opening set and then I host the rest of the show. Be brave....come down and ROCK THE MIC! Men are welcome in the audience.

That's it from my living room on Bowen Island. Thank-you so much for reading my newsletter and thank-you for listening to my music and spreading the word. I've said it many times and I will say it again, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Your support and messages keep me inspired and keep me going! Thank-you for being here. Have a kick-ass April!

Yours in music,
Katexo

 

Greetings Everyone! Welcome to my newsletter, all you lovely people who just joined. Wow, it’s exciting to know that spring is around the corner, I must say, I’m ready for it. Bring it on! I have invented a stellar hot chocolate recipe that has gotten me and my partner through the rainy, cold winter:

Kate Reid’s Badass HotChoc:
In a saucepan, slowly melt one large bar of Lindt’s dark chocolate …chili is best but plain or mint works, too
Add 2 ½ cups of almond, rice, soy or regular milk
Stir until the chocolate and milk become one harmonious mixture
If you’re a real badass, add a couple of marshmellows…the big suckers.
Pour into your fave mug and enjoy! If you try it, tell me what you think!

There have been a few days over the rainy winter where it felt like spring here on Bowen Island: the sun has come out a couple of times lately and the air had that spring smell to it.

I found an uber-cheap flight to New Mexico and a friend is lending me her cabin in down there for 8 days. I’m so grateful to be able to head down there in a couple of weeks to do some song-writing and project brainstorming amidst the red rocks, buttes, cacti and hopefully, the sunny air. I often forget to take time away to create so I’m proud of myself for booking this little time-out. Plus, I just need to dry out!

Are you taking time out of your life to create? To manifest your dreams? I hope so.

Here is the latest news on my musical journey. Thank-you for being a part of it….I love that you are.

Praise for Doing it for the Chicks:
Considering it was released so late in the year, Doing it for the Chicks made it on some sweet lists for 2011 including The Top 50 Playlist for Galaxie’s Folk Roots, HERizons Magazine’s Must Have Music list in their winter edition of 2012, Jeffrey Morgan’s Top Ten Albums of 2011, J.D. Doyle’s Queer Musical Heritage Best of 2011 and Queer FM’s Best of 2011 to name a few. There is also a good review of ‘Chicks’ by Tim Readman in the upcoming spring issue of Penguin Eggs Magazine and one by Cindy Filipenko in HERizons Magazine. Check out the press, if you are interested: www.katereid.net/press .

Free Stuff:
For you Number #1 Fans and Stalker-in-a-Good-Way types, Bronwin Parks (killer design babe at www.bronwinparks.com) designed a bunch of free “Doing it for the Chicks” downloads for your desktop and mobile. Yes, I did use the f-word…..FREE. If you dig this kind of stuff and want to spice up your phone or computer with pix of me (yeah, I know…weird, right? I see myself everyday so I can’t imagine why someone would want a pic of my as their wallpaper!) here’s the link to downloading your freebies: www.katereid.net/freebies .

Album for Queer Families:
As most of you know, I’ve been working in the studio on the album for queer families and it’s coming along with a vengeance! We’ve got 16 songs so far and dare I say it, I might add a couple more. There are just so many things I want to touch on with this album-so many important issues! It is a concept album that has never been done before and I’m very excited about it. I know that many of you have been waiting for this one so fyi, t’s set for release in January 2013!  If you are interested in supporting the recording of this album, I will be sending out information on how to sponsor a song in an upcoming newsletter.

Camp fYrefly 2012:  Artist-in-Residence
I‘ve been invited to be the artist-in-residence this summer at Camp fYrefly, a summer leadership camp for sexual and gender minority youth. I’m pumped about this camp. I get to spend four days with queer getting creative with queer youth! What an honour for me. If you are a youth and would love to join us this summer or you would like to be a volunteer, here is the link to the Camp fYrefly website: www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca

Hanging out in the Highschools:
 As some of you may know, I have a B.A in Psychology and a B.Ed, (a teaching degree). Prior to building a career in music, I worked in the education system for a number of years. Now, I combine my passion for queer activism and music with teaching. I have begun facilitating workshops and doing concerts in high schools. I also have begun visiting Gay-Straight Alliances in high schools, talking with students about what I do and what it’s like being a queer musical activist. If you want to know more about my workshops and school concerts, don’t hesitate to email me for information. Whether you are a teacher, counsellor or a student, I would be more than happy to send you a jpeg of my brochure (designed by Bronwin Parks) with all of my workshop information and fees.

Vancouver’s Only Open mic for Women at the Railway Club:
Along with Girlgig Productions, I will presenting and hosting a monthly open mic for women at the  Railway Club in Vancouver, BC. I perform an opening set and then host the open mic afterwards. If you identify as a woman, check out my website for the dates then come down to the Railway with your voice, your instrument and your attitude. All genres welcome! Men are welcome in the audience. This’ll be fun…I can’t wait to see what new talent is lurking out there.  www.katereid.net/calendar

Summer Festivals+PRIDES:
I’ve got some great stuff happening this spring and summer! I’ve been invited to perform at some awesome LGBTQ family conferences in the USA: the Midwest Family Equality Conference in Minneapolis, MN and Families in the Desert in Palm Springs, CA as well as some super-fun Canadian festivals: Edmonton Pride, Royal City Pride in New Westminster, Stan Rogers Festival, Blue Skies Festival, Music on the Mountain….to name a few! Here’s a link to my calendar to check out the info about these festivals and other shows I’m booked for. I hope to see you out there in the sun this spring and summer.  www.katereid.net/calendar

House Concert anyone?
If the idea of hosting a Kate Reid acoustic musical party in your home for your friends and neighbours kinda gets you all excited, then feel free to email me and let’s book a date! Here are what some previous hosts and lovely folks have to say about my house concerts:

“To have Kate Reid perform in your own home is a truly memorable experience. We’ve been lucky to host a few in the last couple of years and all have been a resounding success! Kate’s music has the power to strike such a chord in her audience’s emotions, that our last concert saw Kate passing around tissues for the tears! No matter where you fall on your musical tastes or sexual identity, Kate seems to have a knack of appealing to an incredibly diverse set of people. “A true legend in your living room” seems the best way to sum up a Kate Reid house concert.” Andrew Moss+Andrew Siddell - Belleville, ON
“Kate absolutely blew the ‘chicks’ away at our recent house concert. Up close, personal and exciting! It's absolutely the best way to enjoy her great music -- what an amazing voice and awesome guitar! And the lyrics! We are doing a second one." Shari Roberts, Louise Forsyth - Calgary, AB

I would love to come to your home and perform for you and your friends. Contact me at kate@katereid.net, if you would like to host a house concert!

That’s it from here. I’m off to make some badass hot chocolate. I know I say this in every newsletter but you have all inspired me and my music and my career. Thank-you so much for being out there, for listening to my music and spreading it around. And, thanks for reading my newsletter!

Remember David Whyte’s words: “There is only one, true life.”
I hope you are living yours. Enjoy yourselves out there.

Yours in music,
Katexo

Hello Everyone-
How are you all doing? I hope you are well! A big, lovin' welcome to all of you who signed up at my recent shows to be a part of my newsletter club....WELCOME and thank-you! :-) I am at home on Bowen Island, just off the coast of West Vancouver. The fire is going in the woodstove and it's raining outside (as usual!) and I'm happy to be home for a couple of days before shoving off again for shows in Alberta and BC.

As most of you know, I've been touring my latest release, "Doing it for the Chicks". I had some great shows in Ontario and the East Coast with some superfun audiences: Kitchener, Hamilton, Oshawa, Belleville, Kingston, Peterborough, London, Toronto, Woodstock, Saint John and Halifax...thank-you to all of you who came out! It was great to see your smiling faces. One show in Toronto turned out to be a bust...well, there were only 8 people at the show, 4 of which were on the guest list....aak! So, I got creative: we cancelled the show and invited everyone back to my friends' place (Thanks so much, Bronwin and Jaigris!!) and we did a house concert there. It turned out to be a fun night after all. Sometimes in this business, I just have to be uber-flexible! :-)

 Here is some KR news for you.

Alberta and BC shows:
I have a special place in my heart for Alberta! Here is a link to the calendar page of my website where you can find the deets for my upcoming shows: http://www.katereid.net/calendar.

CKUA-Folk Routes with Tom Coxworth:
And, I love Tom Coxworth....well, not love-love but you know what I mean. ;-) He invited me to co-host his awesome folk show, Folk Routes, on Alberta's coolest radio station ever, CKUA. A personal, little CKUA story from yours truly: back in 2003, before I was a working musician, I rented an old log cabin for year way up a logging road just outside of a weird, tiny town called Ymir, 40 minutes outside of Nelson, BC in the Kootenays. I was taking a year off of teaching and was contemplating the terrifying possibility of starting a career in music. I was completely overwhelmed (and at times, immobilized) with the prospect of beginning in the music business...what do I do...where the hell do I start? I was also broke and didn't have a real stereo-all I had was a little radio with an antenna that I could get a very limited number of stations on...and a lot of crackling radio fuzz. And for some reason, it picked up this great station called CKUA, all the way from Alberta. I felt like I had discovered gold! I could listen to really great music on the Folk Routes show in my wee cabin out in the woods! So, to be able to sit in with Tom and co-host the show with him that he has been doing since 1998, is just too cool for me! If only I had known back then in 2003 that I was going to be getting airplay on his show and also co-hosting with him.....

Here is the link to Tom's page on the CKUA website, in case you want to stream it live and join us for Folk Routes this Saturday, November 19th: http://www.ckua.com/08/31/10/Tom-Coxworth/landing.html?blockID=301492&feedID=7345

YouTube + Tour V-Blogs:
A friend of mine...thanks again, Bronwin (who designed the "Chicks" album cover: www.bronwinparks.com) suggested that I "vlog" my tour so that people could see some of my life on the road. So, I started posting some vids on YouTube that I made on my phone. I ran into a glitch after about 4 v-blogs and now I can't upload the last two that I have done. I'm still trying to figure it out (I'm so not a techhead). But, in the meantime, here is the link to my YouTube page with the first 4 vids. Hopefully, I will be able to post some new vlogs from my Alberta and BC shows...enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/user/KateReidMusic

Doing it for the Chicks-press reviews:
Ok. Some people get it and some people...well, they don't. Here are three press reviews that "Doing it for the Chicks" has received lately. I especially like Jeffery Morgan's Media Black-Out...this guy is just a riot...kind of pervy but so funny! And then, there's the guy from The Gauntlet (The University Calgary Student Newspaper)....oh dear....he seems to have missed the lecture on "tongue-in-cheek", "parody", and "sexism and objectification of women and lesbians in pop culture"..... ;-)

http://www.jeffreymorgan.info/2011.11.06_arch.html

http://www.cbc.ca/nb/mt/east-coast-music/2011/10/music-review-kate-reid---doing-it-for-the-chicks.html

http://thegauntlet.ca/a/story/15906

Merch (it's what cool people in the music biz call "merchandise"...now you know the lingo and you, too, can be cool!):
You can purchase my merch (all three albums and tshirts) off my website: www.katereid.net/shop.

You can also buy all three of my albums from CDBaby at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/katereid4.

and on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/doing-it-for-the-chicks/id474064710.

Album for Queer Youth and LGBTQ Families:
For those of you who have been asking....yes! Now that "Doing it for the Chicks" has been released, I am back to working on my album for queer youth and LGBTQ families. I have 14 songs written and partially recorded. If you want to particiate in helping this album get recorded and released, I will be looking for sponsors in the next few months so stay tuned! I feel like this is an important project, especially with the continued homophobic bullying that is happening in our schools to kids and youth who are queer and who have LGBTQ parents. To accompany the album, I am putting together a booklet of activities that teachers can use in the classroom to facilitate awareness and acceptance of diversity.

And finally, attention all YOUTH out there on my email list! In case you haven't heard of it, Camp fYreFly is Canada's only national leadership retreat for sexual and gender minority youth. It's happening July 26-29, 2012 in Alberta. Their applications for Camper + Youth Leader are not up yet on their website but I just wanted you to have to link in case you feel inspired to apply and be a part of this really radical retreat....keep checking back for application deadlines...this retreat is an amazing way to connect with other LGBTQ youth and adults across Canada.(They will also be posting applications for Adult Volunteers and Workshop Presenters too, so stay tuned!)Here is the link the Camp fYreFly website: http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca.

That's all for now! I hope to see some of you (many of you!) at my Alberta and BC shows in the next few weeks. Thank-you so much for reading my newsletter. Here's hoping you all have joy and kick-ass passion in your hearts!

Love, Katexo

Hello Everyone!

How are you all? I hope you have been getting some good fun in this summer. Thank-you to those of you who have just joined my newsletter….welcome!

I’m loving living on Bowen Island. My partner and I moved here at the beginning of July and it’s a sanctuary. We have Ravens sitting in the trees over our house, Crows and Stellars’ Jays in our backyard (I feed them) and the occasional Deer sleeping in our driveway at night. It’s a sweet island with beautiful beaches, great restaurants, an amazing systems of trails and a killer, quad-burning hike to the top of Mt. Gardner. Right up my alley! I’m feeling pretty grateful these days….

And….“Doing it for the Chicks” is in production! Yes! I will have the cds in my hands by Wednesday of next week. If you still want to pre-order your autographed copy, go to the “Shop” page on my new website, www.katereid.net. If you want a free mp3 from the album, simply email me and I will send you one. A huge shout out to all the people who have pre-purchased and to those who have helped fund this project….you are amazing and generous and I thank-you from the bottom of my heart. You helped make this cd possible! Also of note-in case you aren’t on Facebook or haven’t been to my website lately, you probably haven’t seen the album cover art…it’s a total riot! (www.katereid.net). To the gorgeous women who volunteered their time and beauty for the photoshoot: Jocelyn “Tutti” DeRosa, Stina Duncan, Sarcy Geddes, Soo-Mi Choe, Kyla McCorkindale, Courtney Spahan, Stacey Mitchell, Diana “Legs” Zitko, Alex Filippelli, and Samara Devlin….you are so much fun! Huge appreciation to Rebecca Blissett for the amazing photos (www.rebeccablissett.com) and to Bronwin Parks (www.bronwinparks.com) for the killer layout.

Below are my tour dates thus far…we are still booking at this time so stay tuned. Please check my website for admission prices show times and other deets.

US Tour:

Thursday, Sept. 1

Mandolin Café-Tacoma, WA

 

Sunday, Sept. 4

Viva La Vida Amphitheatre-Pioneer, CA (Sierra Foothills)

 

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Don Quixote’s-Felton, CA

 

Thursday, Sept. 8

Backstage Lounge-Santa Cruz, CA

 

Saturday, Sept. 10

Café Culture-Chico, CA

 

Sunday, Sept. 11

Café Nirvana-Portland, OR

　

Canadian  Fall Tour:

Saturday, Sep. 24

St. James Hall-Rogue Folk Club (with Jess Hill)-Vancouver, BC

 

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Victoria Event Centre (with Auto Jansz and Andrea June)-Victoria, BC

 

Thursday, Sept. 29

Lion’s Club-Saltspring Island, BC

 

Saturday, Oct. 1

Artspace-Prince George, BC

 

Thursday, Oct. 13

Flying Beaver Pubaret-Toronto, ON

 

Sunday, Oct. 16

House Concert-Andrew and Andy’s-Cansecon, ON

 

Thursday, Oct. 20

Revival Bar-Toronto, ON

 

Friday, Oct. 21

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (Talullah’s Lounge)-Toronto, ON

 

Saturday, Oct. 22

London Music Club-London, ON

 

Sunday, Oct. 23

Out Lounge and Eatery-Oshawa, ON

 

Wed. Oct. 26

Showplace Theatre (The Lounge)-Peterborough, ON

 

Thursday, Oct. 27

Little Bean-Kitchener, ON

 

Friday, Oct. 28

The Pearl Company-Hamilton, ON

 

Saturday, Oct. 29

Ben‘s Pub-Kingston, ON

 

Thursday, Nov. 3

Fusion Café-Woodstock, NB

 

Friday, Nov. 4

The Pump Nightclub (with Babette Hayward)-Saint John, NB

 

Saturday, Nov. 5

The Company House-Halifax, NB

 

Friday, Nov. 18

Junction-Edmonton, AB

 

Saturday, Nov. 19

Jasper Legion-Jasper, AB

 

Sunday, Nov. 20

House Concert-Calgary, AB

 

Wednesday, Nov. 23

Zona’s Latenight Bistro-Canmore, AB

 

Thursday, Nov. 24

The Ironwood Stage-Calgary, AB

 

Saturday, Nov. 26

Sid William’s Theatre (with Ivan Coyote)-Courtenay, BC

 

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Minstrel Café-Kelowna, BC

 

Saturday, Dec. 2

The Art We Are-Kamloops, BC

That’s it for now! Thank-you for sticking with me this far…in the newsletter and with my musical journey! I am really proud of this new cd-the music and the artwork. I hope the songs resonate and spark something in you. And, I hope and makes you laugh outloud!

Be well and enjoy yourselves out there.

Yours in music and gratitude,

Katexo

　

　

　

Hello Folks-
Well, it feels like summer is almost here and the Canucks are going to win tonight! I can't believe I just said that but what can I say...even I am hooked. I even bought a Canucks t-shirt to wear on game night. 
A hearty welcome to all of those who are new members to my newsletter community…thanks so much for signing up! If you would like to contact me personally, feel free to email me at: kate@katereid.net. I love hearing from you! We are starting to book my fall cd release tour so if you would like to present a show or would like to see me perform at a venue in your town, email: bookings@katereid.net.
I just finished my spring tour with Toronto's Evalyn Parry (www.evalynparry.com) and then had one day home before leaving for my USA West Coast tour. Evalyn and I had a great time together...touring around BC, Alberta and Ontario. It was awesome to see old friends and faces and meet new fans along the way. I also love the sights: travelling through the northern Kootenay Mountains, the beautiful Rockies, the islands on the west coast and then to rural areas in Ontario. I did some highschool workshops in Ontario as well and met some amazing queer and queer-friendly youth. Their energy, enthusiasm and pride was so inspiring…they are amazing people and they give me so much hope for the future. And in the USA, I had some really great shows down through Oregon and California. It was fun to be back there again. And, we camped down along the sunny Oregon Coast (I got sunburned just in time for my gig in Eugene!), stayed on the beach in a campground (which was actually a paved road with RVs parked side by side along the water) in gorgeous Santa Cruz. You know those huge bus-like RVs? The US is full of them! At our cement-pad-beach-campground, I saw an older gentleman, sitting in his lawnchair, outside his RV beside his wife and their little lapdog, and the guy was eating Ritz crackers with squeeze cheese from a spray can....gotta love RV culture. Then, at the end of the tour, my partner and I decided, on a whim, to drive all the way across the Nevada desert on what is known as "The Loneliest Highway in America", Highway #50....they weren't kidding....there's practically nothing out there except rolling hills and flat desert land....for a whole long day of driving. It was quite breathtaking. We made it to Canyonlands National Parks, in southern Utah and stayed there for 3 nights, hiking and camping in the red rocks, arches and beautiful sandstone.
And now, we are moving out of Vancouver and onto Bowen Island...which is so very cool! Bowen is a small island just off the coast of West Vancouver. It is a 20 minute ferry ride to get there. But life is slower, quieter and more rural there...right up our alley. We move at the end of the month and are thrilled. We have been scheming on how to move out of the city for quite some time and now, it's happening!
So, onto the music news.....
My website is FINALLY getting updated....it will be all pretty and new and ready to view next week. Check it out! www.katereid.net
"i'm just doing it for the chicks" T-shirts:
Since they are so popular, (with lesbians, straight men and, I discovered, farmers!!), we are placing another order of "i'm just doing it for the chicks" t-shirts. If you would like one, please go to  www.katereid.net/products.html.
"Kate Reid is my homo-girl" t-shirts:
A friend of mine designed this fun shirt! They will be for sale on my website soon at wwwkatereid.net/products.html.
"Doing it for the Chicks" (my latest studio release):
It's close to being done and I can’t wait! If you would like to help fund the manufacturing of this cd (or if you want an autographed copy before anyone else!), you can pre-order and receive your personalized copy in the mail by going to www.katereid.net/products.html. Huge and heart-felt thanks to everyone who donated to this project!
Street Teams:
We are building Street Teams across Canada and into the USA to help with promotion of the shows. If you would like to be a part of a Street Team and do some homo-promo for me and an upcoming show in (or close to) your town, email Stina at promo@katereid.net. She will tell you what's involved and what you get in exchange for your efforts!
House Concerts:
If you would like to host a house concert,  email bookings@katereid.net. I would love to come and play music in your livingroom for you and your friends!
I have a bunch of summer shows coming up....here are the deets:
Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12th
Women's Weekend (this weekend)
Crooked Lake Resort, Horsefly, BC
For tix and info, email: celinamoore@hotmail.com
www.crookedlakeresort.ca/403.987.1307
(cabins, camping, kayaking, hiking, ATV-ing, swimming, music)

June 26, 1-3pm
Honouring Our Elders' Tea (A Qmunity event)
Vancouver, BC
For info and event address, email: generations@qmunity.ca
(Each year QMUNITY Generations, along with community partners, invite queer elders who are 65 years of age and over to a Sunday afternoon of tea, coffee, scones, jam, sushi, entertainment, and celebration.)

Saturday, July 2-8pm
House Concert (at Heidi and Kari’s)
Oyama, BC
For tix, address and info, email Heidi Starr: hrstarr@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook.

Saturday, July 9-12:30pm
Prince George PRIDE Festival
Prince George, BC
For info, go to: www.pgpride.com
Free admission!

Sunday, July 10-7pm
Clozout Club-A Prince George PRIDE event
1177 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC
Tickets $12 adv/$15 at the door

Friday-Sunday July 22-24
Raise the Roof Women's Music Festival
Myles Acres Farm, near Kingston, ON
This is Canada's ONLY weekend-long music festival for women and children only! Get your tickets now...the line-up is awesome: Rita Chiarelli, Hunter Valentine, Celisse Henderson, The Wilmas, Sister Funk, Stephanie Bosch....to name a few.
Tickets and info at www.rrwmf.ca

Saturday, July 30-1pm
Harmony Arts Festival
West Vancouver, BC
For schedule and info at www.harmonyarts.ca.  
Free admission!

Thursday, August 11-7pm
Coming Home Cafe - A Royal City PRIDE event
753 - 6th Street, New Westminster, BC
Free admission!

Saturday, August 12
Eugene PRIDE Festival
Eugene, OR, USA
For schedule and info, go to www.eugenepride.org
Free admission!

WE DEMAND Conference
Saturday, August 27-7:30pm
Coast Plaza Hotel, Vancouver, BC
(We Demand-On August 28, 1971 over two hundred lesbian and gay activists gathered on Parliament Hill to demand the federal government bring an end to laws and practices that criminalized, marginalized, and stigmatized lesbians and gays. Acting in solidarity with their central Canadian allies, Vancouver activists staged the same action on the steps of their city’s Court House. It was the first recorded national political action undertaken by gay liberationists and lesbian feminist activists in Canada. “We Demand” marks the 40th anniversary of the 1971 action. The conference seeks to showcase current work on all aspects of the history of sexuality in Canada, from pre-contact to present times. The conference runs from August 25-28th.)

That’s it for now. Thank-you for reading my newsletter. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves out there! Thank-you again for all of your support and enthusiasm, in whatever form it comes….I appreciate it all because if it wasn’t for you, I would not be doing this! Have a fabulous summer. I hope see some of your smiling faces on my travels.
Until then, be well, be brave and follow your hearts.
Love,
Katexo
Go Canucks.

Hello awesome folks.....all the way from the USA: What a whirlwind tour with Evalyn Parry! Phew! We had a great time....lots of fun shows and audiences and beautiful towns along the way. The people hosting us were gracious and lovely. Evalyn and I had some great laughs and good times. Both of us were exhausted at the end of the tour. We were on the road for nearly a month...packing in gigs in the evening and some school workshops during the day. I did a few school gigs on my own as well and had the pleasure of doing a concert in a highschool in Lindsay, Ontario, where groups from two highschools came to be a part of the audience. Both highschools have GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliances) with many queer and queer-allied youth. They were so inspiring, so fabulous and so radical! I filled me with amazement and hope for the next generation. I felt so much gratitude to be able to perform for them... I also facilitated two workshops in another school in Fenelon Falls, Ontario where we discussed how women are portrayed in pop music through lyrics and video. These students were amazing! The discussions we had were enlightening and interesting. I am stunned by how intelligent, aware and articulate youth are these days....certainly very different from how I was in school..I was smoking cigarettes in the smoking area (yeah, we had a smoke pit at our school!) and was not much of a critical thinker. So, it was truly a joy for me to work with youth in this way. So, I was home for 24 hours (loving the greenery and the scent of the gardens in bloom in Vancouver) before packing up the RV and heading down into the US for a wee tour. I am in a Starbuck's in Washington right now, using their wi-fi and sending you this newsletter. I will tell you that my lovely partner, Maike (who is with me for this tour) and I stopped in at the mall in Bellingham, Washinton, to pick her up a couple of pairs of new jeans. We were walking by a shoe store and I spotted these rad black Converse sneakers with red trim....so cool! Here is a synopsis of the conversation that ensued: Me: Honey, do you think I need another pair of Converse? Maike: I'm not answering that. That's a loaded question. :-):-) Here are the US tour dates...I'm looking forward to seeing y'all down here in America again: Thursday, May 12th, 2011-7pm The Conway Muse 18444 Spruce/Main Street Conway WA 98238 USA Admission: suggested donation $15 Call 360-445-3000 or 360-424-8182 for more information Friday, May 13th, 2011-7-9pm Bipartisan Café 7901 SE Stark Street Portland OR 97215 USA Admission: No Cover Charge Call 503-253-1051 for more information Saturday, May 14th, 2011-7pm HotFlash Dance 1707 SE 1114th Court Vancouver WA 98664 USA Admission: $8.00 Call Pauline Miriam-503-252-9333, pauline@hotflashdances.com Wednesday, May 18th, 2011-9pm Cozmic Pizza 199 w. 8th Avenue Eugene OR 97401 USA Admission: $8.00 Call 541-338-9333 for more information Thursday, May 19th, 2011-8pm Café Flo 365 E. 6th Street Chico CA 95928-5630 USA Admission: $10.00 Call 530-402-7121 for more information Friday, May 20th, 2011-7-9pm Backstage Lounge 1209 Soquel Avenue Santa Cruz CA 95062 USA Admission: $10.00 - $15.00 Call 831-469-9900 Saturday, May 21st, 2011-8pm Viva La Vida OutDoor Amphitheater Amador County-Sierra Foothills Pioneer CA 95666 USA Price: $20.00 510-701-1813 for more information My 'Doin' it for The Chicks' Album is getting mixed this month....so exciting! It will be ready to go for my fall touring schedule. I can't wait for you to hear it! I think it kicks ass....just sayin'. :-) As for the family album (the one where I interviewed the kids, youth and adult children of LGBTQ parents): I have decided to work a little more on that album over the summer and winter months. I realized there were a few more songs that I wanted to write for that project. And, I realized that I was not ready to birth that project this year. I had a dream that told me that I still need to nuture this one a bit more before releasing it. So, I will release it in the spring of 2012. Come find me on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube...I have uploaded a few new YouTube vids that you might enjoy. Thank-you for reading my newsletter. Hope all is well in your world. Have a fabulous spring! Be kind to yourselves....and enjoy. Katexo ps-I bought the Converse shoes. :-)

Greetings Everyone- Hello and how are you all doing? Welcome to all of you who have joined in on my newsletter scene…thank-you for signing up! Spring is almost here....I finally raked our front garden and pruned, too: prepping for the new plants that will take root there soon. Lots of Blackbirds and Chickadees are singing and our resident Cooper’s Hawks have returned to the park across the street...a sure sign of warmer times...woohoo! And onto news of a musical nature…I am thrilled with the way both new recording projects are coming together! We recorded the “queer choir” last week, along with Mel Watson with her crazy horns on the kids’ project. The 'adult' album I am recording in Toronto is on the homestretch as far as the recording goes. I can’t wait for you all to hear the songs! I have been sharing unmixed and unfinished versions with a lot of my friends for their opinions and feedback and they are all loving what we have done so far…phew…I’m on the right track! And, a ridiculously huge and heartfelt thank-you to all of those who donated and sponsored a song for these projects! Thank-you for supporting what I do…your generosity has been incredible! If you still would like to donate to these projects, please check out the “buy” page of my website. Pre-sale of the new releases: We are now pre-selling both releases now. If you would like to make a pre-purchase, each cd costs $20 plus $3 for shipping and handling. All cds pre-purchased will be personalized and signed by me and mailed to your door, hot off the press…that is, as soon as we pick the shipment up from the manufacturer! You can either go to the “Buy” page on my website (katereid.net) and follow the instructions there or send a cheque or money order to: Kate Reid Box 410-2416 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2. Make sure you let me know which one(s) you want: the kids’ or adult project and who I sign them to. Thank-you in advance for your support…I hope these songs make your heart sing! Some of my excellent friends are hosting a house concert here in Vancouver, BC. I will be showcasing a lot of the new songs from both projects…here are the deets: House Concert Saturday, May 26th-8pm 4240 Beatrice St, Vancouver First come, first served-40 seats available. Email Tracy for tix: simpsig@yahoo.com I am touring with Evalyn Parry (www.evalynparry.com) this April and May...so fun! (Please note: all dates are with Evalyn except for four shows April 27-30.): Thursday, April 14-8pm Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir St) Vancouver, BC 604.681.1625 Friday, April 15-8pm Duncan Garage Showroom (201-330 Duncan St) Duncan, BC 250.748.7246 Saturday, April 16-8pm Joe's Garage (115 5th St) Courtenay, BC 250.702.6456 Sunday, April 17-8pm Solstice Café (529 Pandora St) Victoria, BC 250.475.0477 Thursday, April 21-8pm Jasper Legion (corner of Cedar and Gelkie Ave) Jasper, Alberta 780.852.3740 Friday, April 22-8pm Junction (10242-106 Street, NW) Edmonton, Alberta info@junctionedmonton.com/780.756.5667 Saturday, April 23-8pm Georgetown Pub (1101 Bow Valley Trail) Canmore, Alberta 403.678.3439 Monday, April 25-7:30pm Heroes-900 McGill Rd (2nd Floor-Campus Activity Centre) Thompson River University Kamloops, BC Wednesday, April 27-7pm (I'm solo for this show) Downtown Bookstore (945 2nd Ave, East) Owen Sound, Ontario 519.372.9760 For tix/info email Joan: jklbeec@bmts.com Thursday, April 28-8pm (I'm solo for this show) Little Bean (417 King St, West, Unit B1) Kitchener, Ontario 519.954.7872 For tix/info, email: Charmaine-littlebeancoffeebar@rogers.com Friday April 29th- 8pm (I’m solo for this show) Magnificent Hill Highland Grove, Ontario (Even if you can’t come and see this performance…come on down for the Nubian Goats…check out their website!!) http://web.mac.com/diane.doiron/Site_7/Magnificent_HIll.html Saturday, April 30-8pm (I’m solo for this show) House concert at Andrew & Andy's Belleville, Ontario For tix/info, email: Andrew-andrewsiddell@gmail.com or call 613.403.0295 Wednesday, May 4-7:30pm Zen Waffle Inn Waubaushene, Ontario For tix/info, call: 705.538.1463 Friday, May 6-8pm Pearl Company (16 Steven Street) Hamilton, Ontario 905.524.0606 Saturday, May 7-8pm Revolutions Night Club (14 Garrett Street) Kingston, Ontario 613.545.1591 For tix/info, email Pam-phavery@hotmail.com Sunday, May 8-8pm Acoustic Grill (172 Main St) Picton, Ontario 613.476.2882 Kate Reid - US Tour this coming May: I am doing shows in Washington, Oregon and California in May and will add these dates to my next newsletter...stay tuned! New Kate Reid t-shirts: “i’m just doing it for the chicks” and “my baby’s in the beer tent again”, both in black, are for sale on the “buy” page of my website…check ‘em out! That's it for now. Thanks so much for reading my newsletter. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves out there...be well and welcome in Spring in 12 days! Love, Katexo

Hello Everyone out there: Here we are in a new year, new decade....wishing a happy and expansive 2011 to you all! I hope your year has got off to a rocking start. Admittedly, I do love those last couple of weeks in December...it was definitely awesome down-time. I even went snowboarding which I have only done once or twice since I moved to Vancouver...and it was so fun! Time off is groovy for the soul but it does make getting back to work somewhat of a transition, I must say. But, here I am, slammed in the middle of two major recording projects and loving it. There is so much to tell about the songs but I really should just save all that chat and just tell you that I am very proud of my new songs and thrilled with the production of both albums so far. I have been working with two awesome producers and a host of stellar musicians, too…such a cool thing that is! Here's an update for you on the progress of the albums: The family album which I am recording in Vancouver (well, Coquitlam, to be exact!) has ten songs recorded and we still have 2-4 left to record. I have to do harmonies and harmonica on a couple of tunes. Mel Watson (of the former all-women band from Australia, FRUIT) will be adding her brass and woodwind genius to a few songs. And, (this part rocks!), I'm putting together a choir of queer youth from Vancouver and the surrounding cities along with some of the children from my community to sing back-up harmonies on a few songs as well! There will be a surprise cover tune on this one as well that I couldn’t resist adding to the mix…that song title will remain a secret, though until the album’s release. For my other album, I am in the studio in Toronto as we speak and have been for almost two weeks, working full days to get this project cranked out, too. I think I told you a few of the family album titles in my last newsletter so here are a few of the titles from this album: Revolution, Captain Cupcake and the Cambie Hotel, Closet Femme, Crying Holy, Ain’t No Drama Queen, I’m Just Doing it for the Chicks, When I Was a Little Boy, My Baby’s in the Beer Tent Again and another surprise….a Zeppelin cover which shall also remain nameless until the release. We arranged it a little differently than ol’ Robert Plant and Jimmy Page did, though….our version is SO WAY better! If you want to be a part of these awesome recordings, here’s how: Opportunity #1 For a purchase of $1,000.00 you will receive: An autographed CD shipped to your door prior to the release date An autographed poster A Kate Reid t-shirt Two tickets to any show in 2011 in Canada/USA One of the new songs dedicated to you in the cd liner notes Opportunity #2 For a purchase of $2,000.00 you will receive: All of the above, plus: A YouTube home video of me performing your song for you. I will send you the link and post it on my YouTube page. Opportunity #3 –THIS OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN PURCHASED…yaay! For a purchase of $3,000.00 you will receive: All of the above, plus: my autographed guitar that I performed with between 2005-2007 Remember, there are a limited number of songs so if you are inspired to be a part of this, all opportunities are on a first come, first served basis! Upcoming tours/shows: I have a few shows booked for the next couple of months. My full cd release tour and other dates will be confirmed as we get closer to spring. As well, you can always check my website or facebook for updates. Sunday, Jan. 30-8pm Café Montemartre-Thundering Word 4362 Main Street (at 28th) Vancouver, BC Tues. Feb. 8th -8pm Hugh’s Room 2261 Dundas Street, West Toronto, ON Saturday, February 12th-8pm The ARTery 9535 Jasper Ave, NW Edmonton AB 780.441.6966 / 780.441.6966 Thursday, February 24th-8pm Music in the Lake 309 South Shore Rd-Lower Centennial Hall Lake Cowichan, BC For info, email David Lowther: without_a_net@shaw.ca Saturday, February 26th-7:30pm Rhizome Café-Our Voices -An evening for Screaming Weenie Productions (screamingweenie.com) and Our Spaces (ourspaces.ca) 317 East Broadway Vancouver, BC Friday, Feb. 25-8pm House Concert Address TBA Sooke (Vancouver Island), BC For tix and info, email: shirley@mysticmeadows.ca Friday, March 4th-9pm Cafe Montemartre-with Tim Readman 4362 Main Street at 28th Vancouver, BC 604.874.8895 This show is ALL AGES. Wednesday, April 27th-8pm House Concert Address TBA Owen Sound, ON For tickets and info, email Joan Beecroft: jklbeec@bmts.com Friday, May 6th-8pm Pearl Company 16 Steven Street Hamilton, ON 905-524-0606 / 905-524-0606 Saturday, May 7th-8pm House Concert Address TBA Kingston, ON For tickets and info, email Pam Havery: phavery@hotmail.com That’s it for now, folks! I hope all is well in your respective worlds. I’m having a grand time! I keep you in my mind when I write: trying to make sure I say what I need to say for myself and also what needs to be said for others. Thank-you all for your tireless support and enthusiasm about my work. Without you, my life as a musician would not exist. Of that, I am fully aware. Over and out from the snowy, slushy city that is Toronto…. Love, Katexo

Greetings Everyone- I hope you are all well and rockin’ your lives, doing what you love doing! You have all provided such grand inspiration for me and it is because of all of you that I continue to be inspired to write and sing. Because you are a member of my fan community, I want you to be a part of my next two albums to be released in spring of 2011! Below is an exclusive opportunity for you to participate in the release of these upcoming albums: Opportunity #1 - for a purchase of $1,000.00 you will receive: An autographed CD shipped to your door prior to the release date An autographed poster A Kate Reid t-shirt Two tickets to any show in 2011 in Canada/USA One of the new songs dedicated to you in the cd liner notes Opportunity #2 - for a purchase of $2,000.00 you will receive: All of the above, plus: A Youtube home video of me performing your song for you. I will send you the link and post it on my YouTube page. Opportunity #3 - for a purchase of $3,000.00 you will receive: All of the above, plus: My autographed guitar, that I performed with between 2005-2007 (As I have one guitar to give-away, this is only available to the first person who chooses this opportunity!) Remember, there are a limited number of songs so if you are inspired to be a part of this, know that all opportunities are on a first come, first served basis. A bit about the songs: one album is the follow-up to my 2009 release, “I’m Just Warming Up” that will include these and other titles: “When I Was A Little Boy”, “My Baby’s in the Beer Tent Again”, “I’m Just Doing it for the Chicks”. The second album is a very-dear-to-my-heart project where I have interviewed kids and their LGBTQ parents. I am composing songs inspired by their lives. Some of the song titles on this album include: “Radical Donor Dad”, “Tummy Mommy”, “Sister from Another Mister/Brother From Another Mother” and “Queer Across Canada”. This will be the first album of it’s kind, anywhere. You can be a part of musical history with me! Decide which album you want to be a part of then go to the “BUY” page of my website to purchase your opportunity. www.katereid.net I wouldn’t be doing this without all of you so, THANK-YOU so much! Your enthusiasm and presence at my shows fuel me. Your stories and experiences move me. I see your faces in my mind and say “thank-you” for being who you are: for your spirit, your energy, your smiles, laughter and tears at my shows, your emails and Facebook messages, your support and kind words. As a friend of mine says, you inspire me to “kick ass and agitate the masses”! I would also like to extend a heart-felt welcome to all of my new fans and appreciative listeners in the USA. Thank-you for coming to my shows over the past month and for joining my fan community! Please have an amazing rest of 2010...make it count for the end of the decade: take a risk of something you’ve always wanted to do. Do something that challenges you…afterall, as David Whyte said in his poem, All the True Vows: There is only one life you can call your own and a thousand others you can call by any name you want. Hold to the truth you make every day with your own body, don't turn your face away. Over and out from my home in Vancouver. Love, Katexo

Greetings Everyone- How are you all doing? I hope life is treating you well. If you are new to my email community, then a hearty welcome to you! If email is too old-fashioned for you and you prefer social networking, then Facebook me, Tweet me and we’ll connect. I do make a point of answering all messages so I promise you that your efforts to connect won’t go unanswered! I am excited....I will be sending out information in my next newsletter about my upcoming recordings! I will be in the studio all winter working on two new albums: my kids' album and a follow-up to “I'm Just Warming Up”....so stay tuned for that newsletter......Actually, as we speak, I just got the mixes for “Tummy Mommy” and “Radical Donor Dad” from my kids' album sent to me via email from my producer, Adam Popowitz, in Vancouver...they sound great! Yaay! And, in fact, I am currently in Toronto and just spent my first day in the studio here working on three songs for my “adult” album...it's so much fun!! Back to the rest of the newsletter....a word about my first tour out to the Maritimes this past fall. It was fun, albeit challenging, at times. I started off in Ontario and did a bunch of great gigs around the Peterborough-Belleville-Kingston area and a gig in London. Then, I packed up my rental car and headed east to the windy provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I played a string of fun gigs in both provinces including one not-so-hot gig in a tiny café in New Brunswick where I made a shameful 19 bucks in change and a case of beer! A guy in the audience (who, incidentally, was one of 6 people present, 2 of which were my friends!) happened to be a rep for Molson who felt sorry for me...so he gave a voucher that I could redeem at any beer store in NB. Seriously, it can get pretty glam on the road sometimes.....! ;-) One of my favourite shows was in a tiny town called Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia at a charming club called Fables. It's run by this very friendly, politically-minded and slightly eccentric couple of ex-pats who put me up for the night in their awesome house with their four, cute-as-hell, golden labs and a cranky potbelly pig named “Pourquoi”. I meet cool people on my travels, indeed. This just came my way yesterday: a fun review of my 2009 release, “I'm Just Warming Up” by music blogger/reviewer, Jeffrey Morgan in Detroit....this guy is a riot! Scroll down to “Sizzling Platter of the Week”: http://www.jeffreymorgan.info/ Upcoming West Coast USA Tour: here are the dates for my first tour in the USA! Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 Green Frog Acoustic Tavern 104 - 902 N State Street Bellingham WA 98225-5089 USA 360-756-1213 Thursday, November 4th, 2010 House Concert-7:00PM 1707 SE 114th Court Vancouver WA 98664 USA 503-252-9333 Friday, November 5th, 2010 The Conway Muse-8:00PM 18444 Spruce/Main Street Conway WA 306-445-3000 Saturday, November 6th, 2010 Mandolin café-6:00-8:00PM 3923 S. 12th Street Tacoma WA 98405-1508 USA 253-761-3482 Sunday, November 7th, 2010 Jewelbox Theatre-with Travelin'Light (Mel Watson & Corbin Keep)-7:30PM 2322 - 2nd Avenue Seattle WA USA 206-441-5823 Price: $15.00 Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 Haven Coffee-7:00PM 3551 SE Division Street Portland OR 97202 USA 503-236-6890 Price: $10.00 Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 Cozmic Pizza 199 W. 8th Avenue Eugene OR 97401 USA 541-338-9333 Price: $10.00 Friday, November 12th, 2010 Caffe Trieste-Womengig-8PM 2500 San Pablo Avenue Berkley CA 94702-2013 USA 510-548-5198 Price: $10-15 Saturday, November 13th, 2010 Cafe Flo-7:00-10:00PM 365 E 6th Street Chico CA 95928-5630 USA 530-402-7121 Price: $10.00 Sunday, November 14th, 2010 Sutter Creek Theater-4:00PM 44 Main Street Sutter Creek CA 95685 USA 916-425-0077 Price: $16 adv / $18 day of show Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 Don Quixote's International Music Hall-7:30PM 6275 Highway 9 Downtown Felton CA 95018 USA For Reservations: 831-603-2294 Price: $10 adv./$10 door seated Upcoming Home Shows with Ivan Coyote: I have teamed up with award-winning Vancouver writer, Ivan Coyote for some shows here in British Columbia before taking our show on the road next spring. These will be special performances that will combine Ivan’s moving and often hilarious storytelling with my songs-some you have heard and some that you haven’t. We are performing at two sweet, intimate venues to start off…here are the deets: Friday, Dec. 10th-8pm Solstice Café-529 Pandora Street, Victoria Tix at the door $15-20 Saturday, Dec. 11-8pm Rhizome Café-317 Broadway (across from Kingsgate Mall), Vancouver, BC Tix at the door $15-20 Get 'em in advance at Rhizome or email: management@katereid.net: or call: 604.317.8872 YouTube: For those of you who are YouTube gluttons, I am posting more vids up on my site. Some are “live” vids from various performances and some are me and my guitar in my living room in Vancouver. Come hang with me on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/user/KateReidMusic Spencer Harrison: A friend of mine in Toronto named Spencer Harrison is doing important work with his art. I have mentioned him before in my newsletters and also have posted links on Facebook about his work. In light of the much-publicized teen suicides in the LGBT communities across North America, it is increasingly important that the media takes notice of artists like Spencer so that values of acceptance and pride in who we are can spread throughout our society. Spencer is involved in a process whereby he needs votes in order to secure funding for the next phase of his work. If you are interested in voting and have a few minutes to spare, please check out this link to help Spencer : http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/iddeas/acf6862 and the “idea number” is ACF6862. A final thought/feeling: A friend of mine passed away a couple of days ago from major health complications. His name was Victor Reece and he was an incredible Tsimshian mask carver who lived on Pender Island in British Columbia. (see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlXwcV4Bfx8 ).Victor was doing his soul work. Finally, after all those years of being stuck and afraid, I am doing mine. Are you doing yours? Are you doing the things that bring you joy and passion...listening to those things that burn inside of you? I hope that all of you out there are living amazing lives....you are amazing people! Take your hat off in the wind, take a deep breath in, let the rain or the snow fall on your face....enjoy the changing of the seasons. Thank-you for joining me on this journey! Much love to you all...I will see you again soon, Katexo

Hello Friends and folk music lovers: How are you all? I hope you are all well. Welcome to those of you who just joined my email community! It's nice to have you onboard! And, a huge thank-you to those of you who send me enthusiastic emails....I love hearing from you....it always makes my day! :-) Autumn is around the corner and I always feel a mixture of feelings about it: sadness that summer is coming to a close, excitement about cooking with orange vegetables (I know, weird!) like pumpkin, carrots, yams etc, anticipation about my upcoming adventures on the road (also, there is trepidation there, too, I must admit!), some age-old fear about surviving the oncoming winter and relief that with the change of season comes a time to slow down a bit and spend more time inside writing and finishing the songs for my next album. I just finished putting together a huge crockpot of stew complete with a large can of Guinness and a few slugs of red wine for extra kick...seems appropriate for this dismal day in rainy Vancouver! And now, after procrastinating in the kitchen, I am finally sitting down at my computer to write you this newsletter. I leave tomorrow for my tour out east so once I am done this letter, it's time to pack! Here's a bit about my summer and also my upcoming shows. Highlights of summer 2010- There were so many highlights of this past summer, it will be hard to tell them all. But two come to mind right off the top: Islands Folk Festival and Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Wow! I had an incredible time at both festivals! Islands is a sweet little festival in Duncan, BC (Vancouver Island) that is very family friendly and held on a beautiful working farm called Providence Farm. I did a number of sets throughout in the weekend, all of which I got standing ovations for....that was so cool! As well, I had the pleasure of hooking up with Vancouver's well-known and well-loved writer and performer, Ivan Coyote. We did a rather impromptu show together that had 'em weeping and laughing in the aisles! Again, a standing “o” for Ivan and I....it was a a magical weekend. Ivan and I had so much fun together that we are working together on a tour for next year that will combine her story-telling with my songwriting. Stay tuned for more info about that in the upcoming months. Edmonton Folk Music Festival was equally amazing, for different reasons. The sheer size of this festival is impressive and the community of committed and friendly volunteers made me feel like I was working with a close-knit family. Again, I did several sets over the weekend including a live CBC spot with Peter Brown and a live spot with CKUA's Tom Coxworth. This was great fun. I had so much fun doing workshops with Dala, Tanya Tagaq and Celina Kalluk, Shamik, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Jeff Stuart, Diana Jones, Patrick Watson, Lucas Chaisson, and The Waifs. The energy and collaboration that I shared with these folks on stage was inspiring and exciting. It was incredible to play my music to thousands of people who had never heard it before and also to many who know me well. Being a part of the folk festival circuit is a dream come true. Every time I walk onto a festival site with my gear, I think back to the times long before I began my life as a musician when I would attend festivals as a volunteer or as a festival patron and dream about playing on those stages. I also had the pleasure of playing a number of PRIDE festivals, including Regina, Grey Bruce (Ontario), Toronto, Campbell River and most recently, Saltspring Island. Each of these events were awesome and for sure, the best part for me is seeing people celebrating our amazing diversity and being proud of exactly who they are. I love that! (And, an aside...the outfits people wear are to die for, I must say. I learn a lot about fashion and accessorizing at PRIDE events!) New Albums- Amidst touring and festivals and working on the music biz, I continue to work on songs for my upcoming album. I am just about done...I need to write 2 or 3 more songs and then I will start recording. To entice you, some of the new song titles are: I'm Just Doing it For the Chicks, Close to the Water, When I Was a Little Boy, Gonna Be a Revolution, Captain Cupcake and the Cambie Hotel, Auto and Andy, Crying Holy and of course, the “live” favourite, My Baby's in the Beer Tent Again. Once I am back from tour this fall, I plan to be going into the studio to start recording. I will be starting fundraising efforts again in the fall for this album so if you are interested in helping me out by buying me some studio time, stay tuned...there are several options for donating! Once I finish writing the songs for this album, I will get back to work at my album of songs for kids who have queer families. This project will be fun, indeed: the interviews were interesting and inspiring and I know that recording this one will no doubt be a riot! Fall Tour (Ontario and The Maritimes)- I am excited to be going out on tour for the next few weeks. It will be my first time touring in the Maritimes...I am looking forward to that! I haven't been there since I was on a camping trip there back in 1990! More details are on my website (www.katereid.net). For most events, you can get tix at the door or by contacting the respective emails below for tix to the house concerts. Here are my dates...I would love to see you at a show. Also, please pass them on to people who might be interested: Saturday, Sept. 18-8pm London Music Club (We are recording this show “live” for a live album!) 470 Colbourne Street, London, ON Wed. Sept. 22nd-8pm The Spill-Open Mic Night-hosted by Kate Reid 414 George St., N, Peterborough, ON (Arrive before 8pm to sign up for a slot!) Thursday, Sept. 23-8pm Kingston House Concert Kingston, ON For tix and info: phavery@hotmail.com Friday, Sept. 24-8pm Peterborough PRIDE Women's Dance The Lion's Centre Peterborough, ON For tix and info: michelle.r@cogeco.ca Sunday, Sept. 26-afternoon show: 2-4pm Peterborough House Concert Peterborough, ON For tix and info: michelle.r@cogeco.net Wednesday, Sept. 29: 7-9pm Bridge Street Cafe 8 Bridge Street, Mount Allison University Sackville, New Brunswick Thursday, Sept. 30-9:30pm Plan B 212 St. George Street Moncton, New Brunswick Friday, Oct. 1: 7:30-9:30pm Fables 259 Main Street Tatagamouche Nova Scotia Saturday, Oct. 2-9pm Boom Nighclub 474 Queen St Fredericton, New Brunswick Sunday, Oct. 3-7:30-9:30pm Pump Nightclub 507 Main Street Saint John, New Brunswick Friday, Oct. 8-8pm Union Street Cafe 183 Commercial Street Berwick, Nova Scotia Saturday, Oct. 9-8pm (with Bonnie Ste-Croix) 2202 Gottingen Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Wednesday, Oct. 13-8pm National Arts Centre of Canada-Fourth Stage 53 Elgin Street Ottawa, ON For tix: www.nac-cna.ca Thursday, Oct. 14-8:30pm La Caravane 4500 Chemin Capelton-Route 108 North Hatley, Esterie, Quebec 819-842-2364 USA dates: I am doing some dates in the US during November....yaaay! So far, the dates below are confirmed. I will have more details and info for these and other shows in the US in my next email. Or, you can always check my websites for updates! Saturday, November 6 Mandolin Cafe-3923 S 12th St. Tacoma Washington Sunday, November 7 The Jewelbox Theatre-with Travelin' Light 2322 2nd Ave, Seattle, Washington Friday, November 12 Caffe Trieste-Womengig 2500 San Pablo Ave Berkley, California Saturday, November 13 Cafe Flo 365 E6th Ave Chico, California So here's a little story here that I am going to interject into my newsletter because it just happened and it's sweet: I am sitting at my desk writing this email and the doorbell rings and it's the young woman who came to pick up a bunch of boxes of paperwork from my partner's company that were piled up in our garage. I tell her to drive around back through the alley to the second garage. I meet her back there and she gets out of her big truck and thanks me for helping direct her down the alley. She says, “Yeah, it looked like a tight squeeze in there and unlike the guys I work with, I like to take care of my truck.” I help her stack the 25 boxes of paperwork into the back of her cube van. She's young....probably in her mid-twenties with long blonde hair in a ponytail, she's wearing her shredder company uniform and she's very friendly. She comments on the “Willkommen” sign we have hanging by our front door, saying that it's cute and she likes the fisherman's motif of the welcome sign. I said, “Yeah, my partner is from Germany and we just spent three weeks visiting her relatives who live near the North Sea. We went a little crazy in the trinket shop.” She then said that her grandparents were German. We kept stacking and then she did up the invoice and told me to sign and date it in a few places. As I was signing, she said, “So, you mentioned your partner was a “her”....so, you're lesbian, eh?” I said, “Yeah”. Then, she leaned back on her foot and thought for a bit and said, “Whoa. That must be awesome for shopping for clothes, eh? I mean....it would kind of be like shopping with your girlfriend.” I laughed and said, “Yeah, it is kinda like shopping with my girlfriend." Then, she said, “Cool. Well, thanks. See you later”. What a riot! She was so earnest and matter-of-fact about it. I laughed outloud to myself as I walked back to the house. Well, that's it from my computer desk. I hope you are enjoying yourselves out there and living well! See you on the road sometime, I hope. Again, thanks for reading and for listening to my music. I appreciate all of your support and enthusiasm....all the time. Over and out, Katexo

Hello Everyone- First of all, if you are new to my email list, a big welcome to you...thank-you so much for joining! How are you all doing out there? I am well, I must say...loving the green and the fragrant air of spring hree in Vancouver. It just gets into my heart. I have been in the garden. Yesterday, I dumped manure and mixed it all in and then planted some onions, mint and various flowers. I have discovered that I can wear one shoe to help with the shoveling and have the other foot bare to feel the soil...that way, I only have one dirty foot to wash when I come inside! Like last year, I am on a mission to plant a veggie garden in our front yard, complete with corn this year... And, I have been doing a ton of writing...I have a whole bunch of new songs and seriously, they just keep coming...what's going on here? It's so much fun and of course, for me, the endless worrier, quite a relief that I can still piece words and music together from the depths of my bizarre mind and wondering heart and come up with songs! Here are some of the titles...just to give you a wee idea of what's cooking: I'm Just Doing it for the Chicks, Boy's Club, Crying Holy, Traveling Light, Auto and Andy, Tie One On and Tie the Knot, Captain Cupcake and the Cambie Hotel, to name a few. I must say it helps to have a brand, new guitar...with whom I am in love. For those of you who are into guitars, it's a Martin...and I love it...you know, a new guitar is a really good thing. Yahoo! Before I begin with my news, I want to invite you to a house concert being hosted in our home here in Vancouver. Here are the details below: Patricia Sereno in Concert-Saturday, May 15 Patricia will be performing her beautiful, original compositions on her Harp. The show starts at 7pm and tix are $20-all proceeds go to Patricia in support of funding her upcoming recording. If you would like to attend, please email me back asap. We will provide the appies and the atmosphere. Bring your own drinks and enjoy an evening of sweet music by the fire in our livingroom! Yukon Tour: So, where do I start about the Yukon? My tour up there was incredible on many levels: the people, the space, the absolute beauty of the land...I had an amazing time up there. The hosts of the house concerts were so generous and hospitable. Thank-you to all of you who hosted the shows...it was great to meet you and share dinners with you! The folks that came out to the shows were so fun...thank-you to all of you who came out to see me sing my songs....and a huge shout out to the folks in Whitehorse and Dawson for your collective free spirits and raucous appreciativeness...is that word? (For the record, I learned that Whitehorse has the highest number of lesbians per capita in Canada...can that be true?? I for one, what aghast! Imagine my pleasant suprise....:-) Anyways, I'm digressing....besides the shows, here are just a few of the many highlights from my trip: I met some amazing folks in Teslin who run a great summer vacation spot called Dawson Peaks Resort. I went to Liard Hotsprings with my host from Watson Lake and we saw a Bison herd on the road, a Northern Hawk Owl and many Rough-Legged Hawks. I saw Caribou driving back to Whitehorse, licking salt off the highway. This friendly, wild, old, mountain-cabin-dweller dude took me for a crazy dog-mush way out in the mountains near Annie Lake...within seconds of starting the run, I was on my face in the crusty snow wondering how the rest of the ride was going to be...it was a riot! I met a family way out in Haines Junction whose daughters play banjo and guitar-they are 7 and 12 years old! I drove with Remi, their 7 year old, out to Sheep Mountain to watch the Mountain Sheep come in for summer grazing. The Ravens in Whitehorse are devilish and amazing birds to watch. I saw many Eagles! I met a lovely lesbian couple in Carmacks (the only ones in that tiny town) who moved up north from Kingston, Ontario. I went to Dawson...a town that seems like it hasn't changed much since the days of the gold rush. The streets are dirt and there are boardwalks for sidewalks. The host of the show there took me to two of the local watering holes: Bombay Peggy's and The Pit. I flew to Old Crow, the most northern community in the territory and felt the anticipation of the people there who wait for the Caribou to come in every spring. I learned about many of the signs of spring in the Yukon: the Trumpeter and Tundra Swans that return by the thousands every year to mate (I saw these beautiful birds at a place called Swan Haven outside of Whitehorse...so much noise!!), the fuzzy crocuses that pop up through the brown grass, the Seagulls returning, the mud (!), the rivers breaking up(and the "river pools"-where people bet on when the river's ice will give away...I saw this on a sign-up sheet posted in the grocery store in Old Crow!), the Porcupine Caribou herd that numbers in the thousands that comes across the lands outside of Old Crow...I saw five Caribou while hiking with friends up on the mountain behind Old Crow, and the light...I couldn't believe it! The increase of daylight everyday was so significant, I noticed it's increasing presence each day! So many things I saw and felt in the Yukon. I don't know how many times I heard the story, "I came up for a couple of months in the summer and I never left..." It is a truly magical place. If any of you ever feel the pull to go up there, go for it. A huge thank-you to Home Routes in Winnipeg for organizing the tour and sending me up there! Upcoming Shows, Tours and Festivals: This Saturday, May 8th - Rhizome Cafe (This is an all-ages show!) With Ottawa's Chris MacLean and Vancouver's Eirene Cloma Chris' album, "Feet Be Still" won two awards at the 2008 Ontario Council of Folk Festival Conference 317 East Broadway, Vancouver Tix at the door: $10-15 sliding scale Showtime: 8pm (Come early for dinner and a good seat...Rhizome is a warm space!) Ontario Tour- I'm heading to Ontario do some a bit of touring in May-June. As well, I have been putting together a workshop about homophobia, writing and music for schools. I will be doing a few of these workshops in several schools while I am in Ontario in May. I am looking forward to hanging out with the kids and doing some neat stuff there. Here are my upcoming dates and venues (there are more details on my website, if you want more info): May 20-Syndeham United Church Kingston, ON May 25-ShishKabob Hut Peterborough, ON May 26-The Splice Restuarant and Lounge Peterborough, ON May 27-The Gladstone Hotel Toronto, ON May 28-Lion's Hall (Women's Dance) Peterborough, ON June 25-London Music Club 470 Colbourne Street London, ON PRIDES and Folk Festivals- Campbell River PRIDE Walk Away From Homophobia Day Monday, May 17th, 5-8pm Spirit Square, Campbell River, BC Regina PRIDE Saturday, June 19 With Jeffery Straker Regina, SK Grey Bruce PRIDE Sunday, June 20th-2pm Harrison Park Picnic Shelter Owen Sound, ON Toronto PRIDE-Dyke Day Saturday, July 3-daytime event Prince George PRIDE July 6-8-various events Prince George, BC Islands Folk Festival, Duncan, British Columbia July 23-25 Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 5-8 That's it for now. I hope all is well in your respective worlds. Thanks for reading! Over and out..... Love, Katexo Voted Fave New Discovery of 2009 - Penguin Eggs Magazine critics. Sweet. 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee, New/Emerging Artist of the Year. www.katereid.net www.myspace.com/katereidacoustic www.youtube.com/katereidmusic www.sonicbids.com/katereid2

Hello Excellent Folk Fans: Well, it's been a while, people! How are you all? I hope you are well. I must say, I've been hibernating...and loving it. But, I am glad spring is here....time to start moving again. I can't wait to get in the garden but that will have to wait for another month because I am leaving for the Yukon this Thursday...more on that later. Let's jump in.... Whenever I doubt myself or think I should just "shut-up already" when I sing about being a lesbian and such related experiences, I am regularily reminded of the importance of what I do. Just today, I received an email from a youth who connected with me because he is struggling with being gay and is not out to his parents. I met him at a performance a while back and he emailed, asking to talk with me. Then, I was on YouTube a couple of hours ago when I came across all of these incredibly disturbing and idiotic anti-LGBT videos. As well, I am sure many of you have heard about Constance McMillen, the young woman in Mississippi whose highschool has cancelled their prom because she wants to attend with her girlfriend as her date and she wants to wear a tux. Her struggle continues. I get emails from people who find my music out there and thank me for doing what I am doing. I have connected with a very inspiring man I met at a festival last summer who does amazing work as the artist-in-residence at a George Vanier Secondary Highschool in Ontario. His name is Spencer Harrison and he combines art with LGBT awareness-raising and discussion. Check out this video-it is very moving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdmcNrZ_KI. I know a teenaged girl who got in trouble for wearing a necktie (can you believe it??) on picture day...the photographer wouldn't take her picture. Needless to say, she got the support of her school administration and got her photo done. This cool girl has posters in her locker of of Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Libby Davies (East Van's NDP MP) and me! What a riot! Anyways, it always makes me think that the fight for visibility and acceptance is far from over. It is especially true for our youth who are struggling to find themselves amidst all the social pressures of school and family. There are two really great camps out there that I know of for LGBT youth: Camp FyreFly (http://www.fyrefly.ualberta.ca) and Camp Ten Oaks (http://www.tenoaksproject.org). Pass it on! I want to update you on my latest tour info and a couple of other things so if you're ready, here we go! I spent a week down in New Mexico at an incredible place called the New Mexico Women's Retreat. I stayed in an adobe casita (constructed by women) and spent the week writing and hiking in the 1,000 acres of desert. I came back to Vancouver with 7 new songs under my belt! For any women interested, here is the link: http://www.nmwomensretreat.com. Jae is the woman who manages the land and does the bookings for the retreat. Truly inspiring. My good friend, Tim Readman posted a video on YouTube and I am his back-up woman on guitar, harmonica and vocals. Tim's a mainstay on the Vancouver folk scene and has been involved with various bands and projects. He wrote a song called, "The Only Man with the Lesbians", a true story and a fun song about coming to one of my gigs here in Vancouver. If you want to see the vid, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtzN4h1Oir0. Shows, Tours and Festivals: Saturday, May 8th - Rhizome Cafe with Ottawa's Chris MacLean and Vancouver's Eirene Cloma Chris' album, "Feet Be Still" won two awards at the 2008 Ontario Council of Folk Festival Conference 317 East Broadway, Vancouver Tix at the door: $10-15 sliding scale Showtime: 8pm (Come early for dinner and a good seat!) Yukon Tour- Yes, the Yukon! I have been looking forward to this one for a while! I am doing a 11-date house concert circuit put on by a company out of Winnipeg called Home Routes. The tour will take me to Whitehorse, Dawson City, Watson Lake, Haines Junction, Teslin, Carmacks and Old Crow, a fly-in community north of Dawson City. The tour runs from April 10-23 so if you happen to know anyone up there who might enjoy my music, pass them Tim Osmond's email for ticket and show info: tim@homeroutes.ca. Tim can also be reached at 1.866.925.6889 ext. 207. Ontario Tour- I will be doing some shows in Ontario tour in May-June. Here are the dates and venues so far (there are more details on my website, if you want more info): May 22-Carrigan Arms Burlington, ON May 25-ShishKabob Hut Peterborough, ON May 26-The Splice Restuarant and Lounge Peterborough, ON May 28-Lion's Hall (Women's Dance) Peterborough, ON June 25-London Music Club 470 Colbourne Street London, ON Festivals: I am performing at Edmonton Folk Music Festival (Edmonton, Alberta) this summer. The festival runs from August 5-8. Yahoo. I am performing at Islands Folk Festival (Duncan, British Columbia) this summer. The festival runs from July 23-25. Yahoo again. Get your PRIDE on, people! I'm performing at a few PRIDE festivals...big and small..so rad! As more details come in, I will post them on my website. For now, it is confirmed that I will be performing at the following: Campbell River PRIDE Walk Away From Homophobia Day Monday, May 17th, 5-8pm Spirit Square, Campbell River, BC Regina PRIDE Saturday, June 19 With Jeffery Straker Regina, SK Grey Bruce PRIDE Sunday, June 20th-2pm Harrison Park Picnic Shelter Owen Sound, ON Toronto PRIDE-Dyke Day Saturday, July 3-daytime event Prince George PRIDE July 6-8-various events Prince George, BC This is super cool...Penguin Eggs (Canada's Folk, Roots and World Music Magazine) voted me as their Favourite New Discovery of 2009. Linkage right here: http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/peggs.php?page=albumoftheyear If you're into folk music, Penguin Eggs is a great mag. Here's the link to the latest issue: http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/peggs.php?page=thisissue I also got another great review of my cd in HERizons magazine but damnit, I can't find the link. :-/ Thanks to Penni(editor) and Cindy (music reviewer)! For those of you who love social networking, yes, I'm on Facebook! I have a regular page, not a "fan" page, so if you are inclined, I post gigs and updates there regularly...so come and find me! I also am on Twitter...good grief...who comes up with these names? If you want to follow me there, feel free! Well, I think that's it for now. Thanks so much for sticking with me. I truly appreciate it. Keep on keeping on out there. Keep filling up your souls with fresh air, music and earth energy. Over and out, Katexo

Warm greetings to all of you- How are you all doing? I hope you have had a restful, relaxing and enjoyable holiday season! I have some news and a few shows planned for this winter but mainly for the next couple of months, I am writing...there's a ton of ideas brewing in my brain. I am currently working on several songs for a new album and also have finished 2 new songs for the kids' album that I am interviewing, researching and composing for....it's really exciting! It feels great (and a relief, I must say!) to feel the creative urge surging inside of me after working, for the most part lately, on the business side of being an independent artist! So, my creative soul is filling up...getting a handle on one of my new year's resolutions: to spend more time writing songs! :-) Here are some things I would like to share with all of you. Upcoming Shows: Friday, January 8th - 8pm The Communitea (#117-1001 6th Ave, Canmore AB) $12 in advance/$15 at the door (www.thecommunitea.com) With Cori Brewster and Lori Reid (The Fates) Saturday, January 9th - 8pm Nickelodeon Music Club (Cres. Heights Community Hall-1101 2nd St.,NW, Calgary AB) Price: $20.00 in advance (www.thenick.ca) Opening for Bill Bourne and Madagascar Slim Sunday, January 10th - 8pm Money Pennies (1742 10th Ave, SW, Calgary AB) $12 in advance/$15 at the door With Toni Vere Sunday, January 17th - 8pm Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir St.Vancouver BC) $10 for non-members/$8 for members With Ann Vriend Sunday, January 31st - 7:30pm Cafe Montemartre-Thundering Word (Main and 27th, Vancouver BC) By donation (I love this event produced by Bill and Wanda...it's always lots of fun and Bill and Wanda are super sweet folks! I never turn them down when they ask me to perform, if I can help it!) Radioplay: Many of you have been emailing or phoning me and telling me that you are hearing my songs being played on GALAXIE Satellite Radio and it's true. Roch Parisien, the programmer, has been spinning my album so much that it made the Top 40 Canadian albums of 2009! Also, THIS WAY OUT Radio, in California chose my album as one of the Top Ten albums of 2009. This Way Out is an internationally syndicated Lesbian/ Gay/Bi/Queer/Trans station that keeps us informed of LGBTQT issues around the world, activism, music and more. JD Doyle is the programmer and a great guy! Press: I was recently interviewed by Tim Readman for Penguin Eggs magazine, Canada's folk music magazine. If you are interested in reading the article, the link is below. (My name was on the front of the magazine...right beside Dolly Parton's...my brush with fame! :-) http://www.penguineggs.ab.ca/peggs.php?page=samplestory Curve Magazine, a lesbian glossy mag from the USA, also did a review of my cd, along with Catie Curtis and Sarah Bettens as the one of the top three albums from 2009 to buy. I don't have the link and it's not posted on their website yet, but hard copies of the mag can be found in alternative bookstores and major chain stores like Chapters. Live Performance Vids: Stephen Emery has filmed and posted a video of me performing "Uncharted Territory" on Facebook. I will be posting it on my website. Grant Slavin filmed me singing "Truckdriver" and "The Only Dyke at the Open Mic" in Prince George at Artspace back in November, 2009. It's up on my website. New song recording: Some of you may have heard me perform a song that I wrote this summer called, "My Baby's in the Beer Tent Again". This song has been a new hit with my audiences. I am almost done recording it and I will be putting it on iTUNES in a few weeks. Don't forget, if you are a social networkin' junkie: join me on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube, if you are into that sort of thing...swing by and "friend" me! ;-) That's it from here in my living room. Let's make this year and this decade count! It's going to be a good one. All the best to each of you for 2010. Over and out....and yours in music, Katexo

Hello Everyone- First of all, if you are new to this email list....welcome and thank-you for joining!! If you have been with me for a while ...thanks for sticking around! How are you all doing? I hope you are well. I am excited on many fronts. I will try and keep this short but well...by now, you know me. :-) I am home from a very busy 6 months and feeling creative. I have lots of writing to do and ideas are busting through. I love winter because it's a real chance for me to sit down and write. I sit in my chair by the window, build a fire in the fireplace, make a pot of tea and just go for it...poetry, journaling, songwriting. I have been waiting for these long, dark nights for while. And the rain of the westcoast...I must say, I do love it. Finding some way to express ourselves creatively is life-giving and important. And, here is the latest news of my musical exploits: Upcoming Shows: Thursday, December 3rd - Logan's Pub (This is a fundraiser for Loudspeaker Festival in Victoria-I will be doing a short set amongst a great line-up of performers) 1821 Cook Street, Victoria, BC 8pm showtime, $10 at the door Friday, December 4th - Solstice Cafe (I'm doing a full show here with local act: Jennifer Louise Taylor and Co.) 529 Pandora Street, Victoria, BC 8pm showtime, $15 for adults/$7 for teens at the door YouTube vids/Website vids: I will be posting a couple of new, live videos of me singing my songs on YouTube. If you want to subscribe to my YouTube videos, you can go to: www.youtube.com/katereidmusic Galaxie Folk Show/iTunes Gay Pride Canada Top Ten: A friend of mine in Kamloops told me the other day that I made the iTunes Top Ten Gay Pride Canada list...I'm not really sure what that means but it sounds cool! I have yet to find that list on the internet...if someone can help me out, that would be cool. I want to check it out. Also, "I'm Just Warming Up" has been getting a lot of play on Galaxie Satelite Folk Music with host, Roch Parisien. It's been listed at #2 in the top ten Canadian folk albums...that's pretty awesome. I've met Roch and he is a great guy. Canadian Folk Music Awards: Well, I didn't win...but who cares? It was such a thrill for me to be nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award-Best New/Emerging Artist of the Year. It was incredible to showcase at the CFMA and also to attend the gala/awards show. I met some really interesting folks and musicians and just had an all-around amazing time. There were so many stellar musicians who were nominated and the volunteers who run the CFMA pulled off two killer evenings of folk music. The Good Lovelies received New/Emgering Artist of the Year and they are fabulous! Check them out at www.goodlovelies.com! Winter Projects: I will be conducting interviews over the next few weeks for my upcoming project: "Songs for Kids with Two Moms". I will be interviewing children (and their parents) of lesbian households and then taking their stories and writing them into songs for an album that I suspect will be released in two years. As well, I am continuing to write songs for a follow-up album to "I'm Just Warming Up". Spring Tour: In the new year, I will begin booking a spring tour of Ontario and Eastern Canada for May and June, 2010. If any of you have any venues (including house concert options) where you would like to see me perform, please let me know! In fact, if I book a show at a place you suggest, I will gladly send you a complimentary cd in the mail! Also-I am working on a European tour for the autumn of 2010. If anyone has any venue suggestions for me in Europe, that would be awesome, too! That's it from here. All of my best to each of you. Have a wonderful weekend. Welcome December! Yours in music, Katexo

Hello Friends- How are you all doing? I hope you are well. As I write this I am sitting in my hotel room in Regina, listening to the pigeons outside on my window sill, making their chatty cooing noises. I put the creamo that I bought for my coffee out on the window ledge because there is no fridge in the room...perhaps they are curious about what that little carton is all about! Their funny chortling is keeping me company.... Anyways, I just wanted to connect and give you an update of what's happening in my life as a dyke folksinger! I am doing my last show here in the Prairies before heading back to BC for a handful of shows. The tour has been fun and I have met some very interesting people along the way and had some great audiences! Most of my time was spent in Ontario as well as Quebec and I must tell you that the fall colours of central Canada have, at times, taken my breath away! I have seen some truly stunning landscape. And, the sound and the smell that the brilliant leaves make as I walk through them reminds me of growing up in southern Ontario. Some really great news here: I have been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in the New/Emerging Artist category! This is unbelievably thrilling for me...I cannot tell you how it feels to be recognized as a valuable musician in the Canadian folk music community. All my hard work and songwriting is paying off! I will be attending the awards ceremony November 20-22 in Ottawa and will also be part of the showcase there. (For more deets and the list of nominees go to: www.canadianfolkmusicawards.ca) On the list of the Galaxie Folk/Roots Channel's most-played, high-rotation Canadian album releases for September 2009, my latest album, "I'm Just Warming Up" came in at #7! Roch Parisien, the programmer told me a couple of weeks ago that it's going to move higher because it's been getting lots of airplay! How cool is that? I am working on new songs for two different upcoming albums. Some of you may remember the album idea I talked about for kids who are brought up in lesbian-headed households. Well, I have a long list of families who I will be interviewing upon my return to Vancouver which I am really looking forward to. And, I am also working on ideas for another album to follow "I'm Just Warming Up". Lots of stuff is percolating and I can't wait to see what comes....stay tuned for the tunes! So, here are the dates of my final shows for 2009. I hope you can come to a show or at least pass on the info to friends you may have in the following communities: Tuesday, Oct. 29-10pm GLCR (2070 Broad St, Regina, Saskatchewan) Wednesday, Nov. 4-8pm Artspace (1685 3rd Street, Prince George, BC) Tickets are selling fast, so get 'em by emailing Jim: Friday, Nov. 6-8pm Pat Beulah's House Concert (Summerland, BC-sold out) e - pbeulah@live.ca, in case there is a cancellation and she can squeeze you in! Saturday, Nov. 7-7pm Hitching Post (90 Scott Street, Hedley, BC) Reserve tickets b/c Hedley sells out, too: hitchingpost@nethop.net - Wilson is the contact- $10 for the show/$30 for dinner + show combo. Tuesday, Nov. 10-7:30pm Bluebird North - with host Shari Ulrich - guests Kate Reid, Amelia Curran, Valdy and Melissa Endean Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre (corner of Pacific and Drake, Vancouver, BC) Thursday, December 3-8pm Logan's Pub (1821 Cook Street, Victoria, BC) This is a fundraiser for a new, Victoria women's festival called Loudspeaker Festival - produced by Andrea Routley. (I will be doing a short set this night.) Friday, December 4-8pm Solstice Cafe (529 Pandora Street, Victoria, BC) (This will be a full show with a local, opening act.) That's it from my pidgeon-friendly hotel here in Regina....see you all soon and have a wonderful rest of the year! A million thanks for coming to my shows, buying my music, sending me your letters, emails and messages! You rock my world. Yours in music, Katexo

Hello Kind Folks and Folkmusic lovers- How are you all doing? I hope you are all doing well: enjoying the autumn and feeling inspired in whatever you are doing. Summer is finally done for the year and I have gotten used to the fact that it's getting darker and colder, that things are slowing down and the earth is going to sleep. It is soon time to settle in and do some wondering, thinking, writing and creating. Part of me resists all of this and the other part of me longs for it. At this time of year, I always try to sit quietly with the parts of me that I need to give up so that I can expand even more into my life and my work as a folksinger. Its always a challenge: moving out the old stuff to make way for the new but it is important and necessary to continue forward, you know what I mean? I am having a fantastic time out on tour: meeting fun people, enthusiastic audiences and spending time in beautiful in Ontario in the autumn! (My one regret is that I am not home to help with the digging up the potatoes from the veggie garden in our front yard. It's like digging up treasure!) NEW ALBUM- On that note, I have a new project in the works! I spoke briefly about it in my last email blast and now I would like to tell you all about it. This past year has brought a lot of wonderful things. Specifically, I have enjoyed the fan mail and feedback I have received, especially from gay and lesbian folks, young people and children and their lesbian moms and how important my songs are to them. These encounters and letters I have received have got me thinking about children who grow up in lesbian homes. Further, it got me thinking about how children in lesbian homes have their own stories to tell about their experiences of living in -please forgive the phrase-"alternative" homes. I decided that I would like to write an album specifically for children with lesbian parents. As such, I will be interviewing children, of any age, who have lesbian parents: to get their stories, experiences, anecdotes....anything that they would like to share with me about what it is like to be a child of lesbian parents. Then, (without the use of names so as to protect privacy) I will turn their stories into songs for an album entitled, "Songs for Kids with Two Moms". So, this is a call out to you to please put me in contact with any children and/or mothers who might be interested in being interviewed by me. Email is the best way to contact me and I will organize interviews from there. I am thrilled about the opportunity to meet and talk with kids and hear what they have to say. I already have started some interviews and some writing...it's just going to be so inspiring and I have no doubt, a lot of fun! TOUR UPDATE- Just a couple of new dates added to the "I'm Just Warming Up" Tour this fall (please check my website, www.katereid.net, for full tour deets): Thursday, Oct. 8-9pm Carden Street Cafe 40 Carden Street, Guelph ON 519.837.2830 (cardenstreet@hotmail.com) Thursday, Oct. 22-8pm The Rankin Gallery 3248 Round Lake Rd, Inverary ON (For tix, email Al at: as.rankin@sympatico.ca) 631.353.6650 Friday, Oct. 23-10pm The Mansion 506 Princess Street, Kingston ON 613.531.0003 Plus really cool news-I have received word that I am booked to play at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, 2010! So, I will see you in Edmonton next August. What a total kick...I have dreamed of playing that festival! Thanks again for all your support in all the forms you give it....thank-you....always. I do read all your emails and still have some replys to do...I haven't forgotten you. Don't forget, please send any interested interviewees my way for the new project! All the best....over and out! Yours in music, Katexo

Hello Everyone: Well, summer seems to be inching ever closer into fall and what a summer it has been! I hope this email all finds you well and enjoying yourselves out there. I will try and keep this brief, as lots of you know, I can be a woman of many words! :-) I suppose if I did these emails more often, they wouldn't end up being so freakin' long.... In this email, I have included and update on my summer, some exciting news and my fall tour dates. Summer update: This summer I had the amazing fortune to perform at the Vancouver Island Music Festival, The Vancouver Folk Music Festival and Hillside Festival in Guelph. What an amazing time I had at these festivals…I can barely tell you! It was so cool for me to share the stage with some outstanding musicians: d’bi young, James Keelaghan, Eekwol, Basia Bulat, Women in Docs, Great Lake Swimmers, Dan Mangan, Bop Ensemble-including Bill Bourne…to name a few! At the Vancouver Island Music Fest, I became inspired to write a new song which I did. I finished it a week later at 1:30 in the morning, the night before my performance at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and a friend of mine convinced me to play it that night on the main stage, never having played it in front of an audience, certainly not thousands of people! But, not wanting to back down from a challenge, I thought, “What the hell? I have nothing to lose…right?” So, in light of this summer’s politics surrounding the first ever beer tent at the VFMF, I played “My Baby’s in the Beer Tent Again” to cheers and a rousing applause. It’s destined to become a festival classic!! ;-) Hillside Festival was no less exciting. I first discovered Hillside while attending University of Guelph, way back before I was even considering writing and singing music. Somewhere inside of me, I was yearing to be on the stages there. My show was a complete blast. The tent was packed and the audience embraced my music like they had known me for years. They gave me a raucous standing ovation…what a rush! All three festivals were the highlights of my year so far. Exciting News: My exciting news is that I got accepted to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference this October in Ottawa for an official showcase! For those of you who don't know, OCFF brings together talent buyers, folk music industry people, festival artistic directors, campus and co-op radio show hosts, musicians and basically all things folk music for an annual weekend conference of workshops, musical showcases and networking. It's a 4-day folk music meat market/schmoozefest and it's a lot of fun! Official showcase attendees, such as myself, are selected from hundreds of applicants to perform for a half hour hoping to get our names and music out there to get more gigs...more work! So, I am very fortunate to have been selected and am thrilled to be able to see what possibilities are out there for me to spread the dyke folk love! Fall Tour: I have been very busy for the past several months booking my fall tour in support of my latest album, I'm Just Warming Up". Here are the dates below. I am still working on a few more dates but these are the dates so far. If you know somebody in any of the towns on the list who you think might enjoy my show, please don't hestitate to pass on this email...with huge thanks from me! There are more details about the shows on my websites. BC Saturday, Aug. 29th-The Black Box Theatre, Kelowna (Presented by the Kelown Women's Centre) BC ALBERTA Sunday, Aug. 30-Money Pennies, Calgary AB Wednesday, Sept. 2-Henotic Restuarant and Lounge, Lethbridge AB Thursday, Sept. 3-The Soda, Calgary (A Miscellaneous Youth Network Event) Friday, Sept. 4-Prism Bar and Grill, Edmonton AB Saturday, Sept. 5-Velvet Olive, Red Deer AB Monday, Sept. 7-Ironwood Stage and Grill, Calgary AB BC Wednesday, Sept. 9-Victoria Event Centre, Victoria BC Thursday, Sept. 10-The Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan BC Friday, Sept. 11-The Cambie, Nanaimo BC Saturday, Sept. 12-The Roxy Theatre, Gabriola Island BC Sunday, Sept. 13-The Lion's Hall, Saltspring Island BC ONTARIO and QUEBEC: Saturday, Sept. 19-Ohio Lesbian Fest-(www.ohiolba.org) Sunday, Sept. 20-Ohio Lesbian Fest-(www.ohiolba.org) Wednesday, Sept. 23-Big Mama's Boy, Toronto ON Thursday, Sept. 24-Slack's, Toronto ON Friday, Sept. 25-The Spill, Peterborough ON (A Peterborough Pride Event) Sunday, Sept. 27-Owen Sound Farmhouse concert (email me for tix, if interested) Saturday, Oct. 3-The Yellow Door, Montreal QE Friday, Oct. 9-The London Music Club, London ON Sunday, Oct. 11-The Tranzac, Toronto ON (with Evalyn Parry) Wednesday, Oct. 14-Amazing Coffee-Madoc ON Thurs, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 18-OCFF Conference, Ottawa ON Sunday, Oct. 18-Acoustic Grill, Picton ON Monday, Oct. 19-The Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa ON (with Sarah MacDougall and Ariana Gillis) Thursday, Oct. 22-The Red Canoe Cafe, Wilno ON Friday, Oct. 23-Amherst Island Lodge, Amherst Island ON (tentative) THE PRAIRIES Tuesday, Oct. 27-The Park Theatre, Winnipeg MN Thursday, Oct. 29-The GLCR, Regina SK BC: Wednesday, Nov. 4-Artspace, Prince George BC Friday, Nov. 6-Summerland Cherry Farmhouse concert, Summerland BC (email me for tix, if you are interested) Saturday, Nov. 7-The Hitching Post, Hedley BC (with Pascale Goodrich-Black) Tuesday, Nov. 10-Bluebird North at the Roundhouse, Vancouver BC (with Shari Ulrich and friends) Whew....that was a lot...even to type!! ;-] So, thanks for sticking with me and reading all of that. I appreciate your support in all the forms it arrives to me...thanks for keeping me going! I am taking the day off to go hiking in Garibaldi Park tomorrow...I can't wait to see some alpine splendor. I hope summer has been a fun-filled and relaxing time for you all. See you out there in the big world! Over and out, Katexo

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Hi Everyone: How are you all? I hope you are well. Well, I had grand plans of sending out one newsletter each month but I sidetracked myself with other things...cd recording, working at my day job and booking shows. I find myself longing for solitude, some time out there in the trees and the spacious air, listening to the world come alive again after winter. I can't wait to get into the mountains...I can't wait for the snow to melt up there and get my feet on the earth. Sometimes, my soul aches for that. But, the Eagles are coming back to Vancouver and that always gives me hope for what is to come... And, I am excited. I have some great news! I don't know if I told you all this in my last newsletter but if I did...well, it's so cool, I will say it again: I got confirmed to play Vancouver Folk Fest this summer! And, not only that, I also just got confirmed to play Hillside Festival in Guelph....this is huge! I remember back in the days before I played music, in the 90's, and I went to Hillside a couple of times and dreamed about living that life: playing my own music at festivals in the summer. This is truly unbelievable for me. I got invited back to Edmonton Pride, too...very cool. I love Edmonton. Here are some of my upcoming shows: Friday, April 24th-Summerland House/Farm Concert, Summerland: with Pascale Goodrich-Black Email: pbeulah@live.ca for tix and info Saturday, April 25th-Stand Up and Sing at the Sugar Shack, Nelson-8pm Go to: www.missquincy.net/sugarshack Saturday, May 2-Habitat, 2448 Leon Street, Kelowna-8pm Tuesday, May 5-Vancouver Rowing Club-6pm Go to: www.singaround.com for details My calendar is filling up with shows I am booking for my cd release so check it out if you want. (www.katereid.net) And last but so not least, my second cd is coming together! And, I am preselling the cd, just like I did with my first cd. If you would like to buy one, please email me your name and mailing address and I will mail you a signed copy when it's complete. It is $23 per copy (includes postage). These funds will go towards finishing this project and getting it out there in the world! I have been very fortunate to have had some great donations come in so far which has helped a lot in getting this thing off the ground. It has felt truly amazing for me to receive support from all of you...in all the ways you can do it-whether its funds, emails, letters, kind words. It reminds me that it's important what I do and what I sing about. On that note-I feel like I am doing something good when a young lesbian comes up to me after a show and tells me a story about how she heard my music and came out and how she hasn't taken my cd out of the player since she bought it. We all need a voice. And, I am still finding mine, in my songs, and sharing it with all of you. So, it's a mutually healing experience, this songwriting thing. Thanks so much to all of you! You keep me going! All the best...see you soon out there, Kate ;-)

Hello Everyone: Grab your fave beverage and sit down…this is a long one but lots of cool stuff here…if you can spare the time! Three shows and hanging with Ferron: What can I say, people? You rock. For those of you who made it out to the WISE Hall on Sunday, November 16th, thanks for coming to see me realize one of my dreams: to do a show with a mentor of mine, Ferron. I was in folksinger heaven. The show was high energy and entertaining: Ferron was her usual amazing self and it was great to see so many friends and fans in the audience. Thank-you so much for coming to the show! For those of you who weren't there, I did receive your emails and appreciate your well wishes! After the WISE Hall, I summoned up some more courage (gulp!) to phone Ferron and ask her if I could open for her for her next shows on Saltspring and Pender Islands and then attend her writer's workshop on Pender for the weekend. She said "yes"! So, I skipped my day job, took a floatplane to Saltspring (so cool!) and again, the shows were incredible. Ferron loved my song "Rise Up" so much-that’s the one I wrote about how I felt after declining her offer to come to her place in Michigan in the summer of 2007...it will be on my next album. As you can imagine, I was flattered beyond belief. Of course, now, I have some more dreams in the works but I can’t really tell you about that now…if you are interested, stay tuned?! While on Pender, I spent the weekend in Ferron’s writing workshop with a group of wonderful women and also with friends of Ferron-very inspiring and generous people on Pender Island-Sharon Jinkerson-Brass, her husband, Victor Reece and their very good friend, Georgina Weber. Sharon and Victor are the creative genius behind Big Sky Multi-Media and Storytelling Society which creates stunning and innovative performances of Native story through theatre, dance, mask and song. Sharon, Victor and the Big Sky members are incredibly talented and passionate about what they do. They have big plans and I am sure they would love your support. They will be at Vancouver's Talking Stick Festival this February 2009. You can check them out at www.bigskymultimediastorytellingsociety.com. Georgina Weber owns and is the chef at Pender Island's best restaurant, Islander's Restaurant. Georgina fed us all weekend with her killer culinary creations! If you are ever on Pender Island, don't miss Georgina's awe-inspiring meals and hospitality (250.629.6682 for reservations or online at www.islandersrestaurant.com). You will not be disappointed!! Women in the Round Tour: Next on my list of news, my tour with Sarah MacDougall and Joanna Chapman-Smith as Women in the Round. During our 6-week tour we had some great adventures, met wonderful and hospitable people, spent time with friends and family and rocked our shows! Our tour took us from Gabriola and Saltspring Islands all the way to Montreal. Sarah, Jo and I have a blast on stage together and really enjoyed all the different venues in Eastern Canada that we performed at. It was great to back each other up with harmonies, harmonica, clarinet, melodica and the occasional kazoo solo! And, lots of laughs…as always! We stayed with friends and generous folks along the way: Kareno and Kimi on Saltspring, Carolyn and Diana on Gabriola, Ellen of Summerland, Shirley and Dan of Gold Mountain RV Park in Hedley, Eva in Nelson, Allie in Lethbridge, Steve in Calgary, Tina and Julie in Edmonton, Kamala in Winnipeg, our families in the Toronto area and Mel and Laura in Ottawa. I had the pleasure of opening up for Po’Girl at Hugh’s Room in Toronto and doing a solo show in Winnipeg at Club 200. A massive thank-you to all of you who opened your homes to us…it makes touring so much nicer to spend time with friends and family along the way. And, a big thanks to Joanna’s father for the use of his car to get around Ontario and Quebec…thanks so much! I must say that our show in Waterloo was a blast from the past, seeing old friends from high school and my good, old party days was a blast. Thanks so much to all of you who came out to the shows! It’s been a long time since I have been back to Ontario and what a great way to come back. Women in the Round at OCFF: Sarah, Jo and I also attended the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals conference in Ottawa where tons of musicians and folk industry folks meet to do all things folk music. We shared a hotel room with a musician friend of mine, Sarah Calvert of Toronto...our room looked like a tornado hit it during the day but at night, it transformed into a live music venue with performances by myself, Sarah Mac, Joanna and Sarah Calvert. We generated some great buzz at the conference for our music, saw some amazing and inspiring acts and met lots of people. Performing at Vancouver Island Folk Music Festival 2009: Out of our weekend at OCFF, Women in the Round got rave reviews for our show and got invited to perform at the Vancouver Island Folk Music Festival for the upcoming summer, July 10-12, 2009. We are thrilled about this! New songs from my upcoming cd: As you may know, I am working on my second cd. I aim to release it late in spring of 2009, in time for the summer. I will be posting a few new songs on my website and Myspace (and maybe Facebook, if I get around to it!! Damn.) so you can get a taste of what is to come. So, check back for new songs posted. Fundraising plans for my new cd: I have also dreamed up a couple of ideas to help me fundraise for the making of the cd. As I did with my debut cd, I am currently pre-selling my next cd on my website and at shows. There are instructions for pre-purchasing cds on the “Buy” page of my website if you would like to help out. I will sign each pre-perchased cd, of course and include the purchase number on the cd. And...the kick-ass fundraising idea is-you can have a real hand in helping me with this project by purchasing studio time for me! More details can be found on the “Buy” page of my website. I have prizes for each increment of money, including signed posters and cds all the way up to dinner out with me in a city near you. Can you help? The Laramie Project in Vancouver: I recently attended The Laramie Project-a play that was written about the story of Matthew Sheppard: the young, gay man who was savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die outside of the town of Laramie, Wyoming in October 1998. The Laramie Project was put on by Fighting Chance Productions and performed at Havana on Commercial Drive. Lord Byng Secondary School of the Vancouver School Board, also put on a production of the Laramie Project this month. Watching the play brought home the ever-present reality of how much homophobia there still is in the world: in Canada, the USA and certainly across the world-there are many countries where homosexuality is still illegal, indeed, punishable by death in some countries. While we are extremely privileged to have lesbian and gay rights including legal marriage here in Canada, that does not mean we are free of homophobia and the violence acts are spawned from this fear and hatred of GLBT people. I thought of all of the dykes, just a few decades ago, who used get dragged out of the women’s bars, beaten and raped. I thought of Aaron Webster of Vancouver who was brutally beaten and murdered by a group of men in 2001. I thought of Jordan Smith of Vancouver who was beaten by two men this past summer and had to have his jaw wired shut. I thought of my friend who was beaten and had her ribs broken by a man outside of a Vancouver bar. I thought of my own experience with my first girlfriend’s brother who chased us out of the house in the middle of the night, trashed my truck, threatening and yelling homophobic insults at us. It reminded me of how far we have come but how incredibly far we still have to go. It reminded me that what I sing about is important-no matter who tells me that it’s too much, too lesbian-focused or whatever opinion they have about what I do. It reminded me to keep going. House Concert Donation for Vancouver AIDS organizations: Like last year, I donated an acoustic house concert as a silent auction prize to one of Vancouver’s largest fundraising nights for finding a cure for AIDS-The Fowl Supper. This evening is a huge annual dinner and silent auction with wild and fun entertainment on by the Fillmore Foundation to raise money for three Vancouver AIDS/HIV organizations, The Dr. Peter Centre, Lovin’ Spoonful and McLauren Housing Society. The silent auction, of which I was a part, raised $11,000.00! The dinner and entire evening raised thousands of dollars as well! It's an incredibly successful event. Chix with Picks XMAS-Sunday, December 7 at 7pm: Trigger of Girlgigs Productions here in Vancouver is hosting her annual Chix with Picks XMAS where she gathers a whole gaggle of Vancouver women musicians together to play their tunes and raise money for the Positive Women’s Network. Bring a non-perishable food or bath item to donate. I will be there! It’s a great time for a great cause…always packed! (The Railway Club, 579 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver) Well, that’s it for now. There was so much to share with you all so I thank-you for taking the time to read it! I will keep you posted on how the album is coming…I have some dreams and ideas in the works. Once again, thank-you so much for all of your support, in whatever way, shape or form. I appreciate every last word and gesture…it helps me do my thing! Yours in life and music, Kate

Making an album in the studio costs serious money...thousands of dollars in fact, and I need some help. My goal is to raise $8,000 towards getting this cd completed. Here's what you will get if you are willing to help: Fame and notoriety. Well, actually...just kidding....that would hopefully be me. Okay, seriously speaking: 1. Decide on the amount you would like to contribute. The increments and benefits with each amount are below: $75-1 a personal thank-you card and a signed cd $100- a signed poster, a personal thank-you card and a signed cd $200-two ticktes to one of my shows in your town (or a town near you) a signed poster, a personal thank-you card and a signed cd $500-special mention in the liner notes of my upcoming cd, two tickets to a show in your town (or a town near you), a signed poster, a personal thank-you card and two signed cds $1000 + -dinner out with me in your town (Dutch treat!) and all of the above 2. Go to my "Buy" page and send your chosen amount via PayPal. You must have a credit card to use this service. Please make sure to add your name, phone number, mailing address and email so that I can contact you. 3. Or send a cheque or money order directly to me at: Kate Reid 410-2416 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2 Again, please ensure you include your name, phone number, mailing address and email so I can contact you. Thank-you so much for your generosity in helping get this album out. It's a really great thing. Yours in music, Kate

Just like when I was making my debut album, I am taking orders now for my upcoming cd. Pre-selling is a really helpful way for me to raise money to help with the costs of recording, production, manufacturing, duplication, hiring musicians and artwork design. Each cd will cost $23 if I mail it to you, $20 if I hand it to you directly at one of my cd release shows in a town near you this coming spring. I will sign each cd you purchase. For pre-buying my next cd, here's what you can do: 1. Decide how many you would like to buy. 2. Go to my "Buy" page and purchase your order through Paypal. You must have a credit card to use this service. Include your name, mailing address and email so I can track and send you your order. 3. Or you can send me a cheque or money order directly at: Kate Reid 410-2416 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2 Please include your name, mailing address or email so I can track and send you your order. Thanks so much for your awesome support in helping me get my music out there! I appreciate it so much. My best, Kate

Hey Lesbian Folksinger Appreciators: I am getting ready to go on tour with Sarah and Jo. We are doing our first show tomorrow night on Gabriola Island...one of my favourite gulf islands! Jo won't be there because she is on tour in Northern BC but she will be joining us at Rhizome on Friday, Sept. 19th. The next day we have a show on Saltspring Island-another beautiful gulf island. Then, we leave for the Okanagan on Tuesday, September 23 to start our tour over to Montreal! I am very busy with preparations and last minute details as well as going into the studio to record a few more tracks before I hit the road. It has been a challenge to achieve more balance in my life since I began this musical journey. For the last couple of years, I feel like I have done nothing but work on building this dream (which has been amazing, fun and challenging all at the same time!) and now I feel like I am wanting a little more fun and space in my life...slowly, I am getting better at that part! I so appreciate all of your emails, kind words and letters. It is what keeps me forging ahead because I believe in the work that I do as a writer and musician and I know that it is important: not only for myself but for women, however we identify. So, I am really looking forward to these upcoming shows and seeing you all out there as well as meeting some new folks! It will be good to be playing music in your towns again. I hope you are all well in your lives. See you on the road. Kate

Hello Everyone: I just want to send out a huge thank-you and appreciation to all of you who attended my house concert on the evening of Wednesday, July 30th. Thank-you so much for your generous donations towards the recording of my second album, which I am currently working on in the studio at this time. It was great to see some familiar friendly faces and meet those of you who I hadn't the pleasure of meeting before. I am glad you all had a great time, it was my pleasure to perform for you and have you be a part of this fun evening! Thank-you again for your generosity and for supporting my music! A special thanks to Maike for her wonderful hospitality and for hosting the concert in her home and to Jocelyn, as well for doing a kick-ass job at the door! All the best to each and every one of you, Kate

Hey Music Fans: For those of you who don't know, I am in the studio recording my second album. I am working with local Vancouver producer, Adam Popowitz who has been in the music scene for a long time. He is a musician, a recording engineer and producer and he is fabulous to work with! We have finished the percussion, guitar and the vocal tracks (I still have to do some harmonies!) for four of my new songs. There is a lot of work to be done and due to my touring schedule this fall and Adam's busy schedule with his band, Pacifika, and other recording projects, I aim to release the album in the spring of 2009. So, I will keep you posted on it's progress. I am thrilled to be working with Adam on this project and t's very exciting for me as well because creating and writing is such a wonderful process..it's always exciting to see what comes forth...I love it! That's it for now. Hope you're are all doing well in your lives! Over and out, Kate

June 27 – 29, UBC WORDS & LYRICS: A Prose and Songwriting Retreat with Kate Reid, Singer/Songwriter and Claire Robson, memoirist, editor, writer. For writers, singers, those who want to be, and all others who love words! “Every song has a story behind it; many stories can be put to music!” The Weekend: Hang out for a whole weekend with a writer and a singer/songwriter and write prose, poetry, make music, write lyrics, and share the experience with others, all with expert advice, structured exercises, and tons of support. You’ll leave this workshop with three brand new songs, poems, or stories, the tools you need to revise and polish them, and a little experience in how to present them to an audience. And we guarantee that you’ll have lots of fun along the way. Who Should come: Writers, musicians, those who love words, stories, aspiring and accomplished writers and singer/songwriters looking for more skills, a new direction. Times: Friday June 27 7:30pm – 9:30 pm Saturday June 28 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (1 hour brown bag lunch break, coffee & tea provided) Sunday June 29 9:30 am – 1:30 pm Location: UBC campus (location and other details will be emailed to registrants) Fee: $150 - $225 sliding scale. Pay what you can afford on this scale. Kate Reid is a dynamic, political, singer/songwriter who has made an impression upon the political/music/lesbian scene in Vancouver and elsewhere. Her songs and presentation are quirky, thoughtful, sometimes in-your-face, often humourous, always with style and ease with her audience. Claire Robson is a published author, and well-known teacher. She specializes in making writing processes accessible to everyone, regardless of previous experience. Her students have great success, and have read their work in many different venues, including the Roundhouse, UBC, and the Vancouver Public Library. Www.katereid.net Www.clairerobson.com To register, send a cheque, either in full payment or a $50 non-refundable deposit with postdated cheques (latest date, June 15) to: Sounds & Furies PO Box 21510, 1424 Commercial Dr. Vancouver BC V5L 5G2 Include with your cheque your name, email address, phone #, and whether you’re interested in sharing a low-cost room at Gage Towers (UBC campus) for the weekend with other workshop participants. Pat/Sounds & Furies will give names of others seeking roommates. Make a weekend of it. Give yourself a treat, a retreat! Write to your heart’s content with no distractions from the “outside” world. If you prefer a room of your own, contact Gage Residence at UBC.

Hello Everyone; Well, what can I say? Women in the Round...on the road rocked. I went on a two week tour with Sarah MacDougall and Joanna Chapman-Smith through British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and we had a blast! We started in Vancouver at Rhizome Cafe on April 11th...an all acoustic show to a full house. The next night, we played at the Howe Sound Pub in Squamish to a fun audience. Heidi, who booked us, treated us so well....it was fantastic! The next night, we were supposed to be in William's Lake at the Blue Spoon Cafe. We tried driving up the old Duffy Lake Road but got turned around by an avalanche/rockslide that covered the highway! We ended up having to turn around and drive all the way back down through Whistler, Vancouver and then going to the long way, through Hope, Armstrong, 100 Mile House and then William's Lake. It was a very long day of driving but we made the show in record time (thanks to my lead foot!)and were warmly received by the folks in William's Lake. We stayed with a lovely woman, Deb, who put us up for two nights in her funky house. Thanks so much, Deb! We shall meet again.... After that, we played at Artspace in Prince George to a sold out crowd of very appreciate people! Great room, great audience, super sound....thanks to Jim who booked us there. Then, we traveled through Jasper and over to Edmonton for two nights: first, a low key evening with Harold at the Blue Chair Cafe...always a pleasure to play there. And, then a riotous night at the local lesbian bar, (hecklers included!) Prism Bar and Grill to an over-capacity house of 110 women! It was loud and super-fun! Thanks so much to the women who ran the bar, especially Tina! Then, we drove down through a nasty snow storm ( I know, it was April for chrissake's!!) to Calgary to play at Money Pennies, the local lesbian bar. We had another sold out show there and were treated really well by the owners. We will definately go back again. Thanks Money Pennies! Then, we had a night off and a day to rest before playing at the Ironwood Stage and Grill to a busy Monday night crowd. Thanks so much, Patrick (you wild and crazy guy!) for booking us. After that, we headed out onto the prairies and to Regina for a show at the local folk club. The audience was very small but very appreciative and thrilled to have us there. A singersongwriter from Winnipeg named Suss, joined us there and warmed up the audience for us by playing an opening set. Next, we went to Winnipeg for an awesome show at the Park Theatre. Suss had organized and promoted the show and joined us on stage as a part of the round....it was a fantastic night....what a room and what amazing sound! Thanks so much, Suss and the Park Theatre! Then, we drove like bats out of hell to make it across the prairies (through yet another gnarly snowstorm....I know, did I say it was April for chrissake's?!!) to my old stomping grounds of Nelson, BC. Always a pleasure to play in Nelson. Thanks to Eva (you're the best, old gal!) and Catherine for setting up the show and promoting it and to all of my friends and the Nelson folks who came out to see us. It was great to be there again. The next night, we played to a packed house at the Hitching Post in my favourite small town, Hedley, BC. I love performing in Hedley because the people are grand and we got treated like queens again! Thanks Hedley folks and Wilson and Brenda of the Hitching Post. Then, we headed back to Vancouver for a show at the Railway Club. It was a fun night as always at the Railway! And, a great audience with tons of hecklers....I love that. You know I do. Thank-you to Trigger and Janet for having us! Our final show was on Gabriola Island for the Dancing Man Festival at the Roxy Theatre. I love this place...it's a funky venue (with very cool red velour seats!) with great sound and an even greater owner, Stephen. And, thanks to Carolyn and Diana, as usual, for having us at your place. Always a pleasure! Thanks so much to all of the island folks who came out to see our show. The tour was unbelievably fun and successful. We got some good press and our audiences couldn't have been better. It was so good, in fact, that Sarah, Joanna and I have started planning on our next tours as Women in the Round. We plan on touring down the west coast of the USA and also heading over to Eastern Canada in the autumn....so stay tuned! Also, drop me a line if you have a venue in your town that you think might be a good fit for three wickedly entertaining folkies (that would be me, Sarah and Jo!!) who are itching to get on the road again! All the best to each of you and thank-you so much for gracing us with your presence at our shows...we love it! Kate

Hi! I just got back a week ago from the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis. What a fantastic conference! I had such a riot and met some amazing, friendly and enthusiastic people. Some of the performing highlights of my time there were with Desert Highway Records, Rockshop Publishing, RedNewt Records/Frederick Productions and the GoGirls private showcases. What a blast! Such fun people and enthusiasm for my tunes! I also saw some amazing music: Leela and Ellie Grace, Vanessa Torres and her band Touching Ground, Bill Reveles, Sarah White, Elam McKnight...to name a few of the other guerilla showcasers. And then there was all the official showcases...so much! But, staying up until 4am every night is enough to make any farm girl need a week of sleep to feel normal again. Thanks so much to all of you who I met and who came to listen to my songs. This conference is amazing! Great opportunity for any folkie who wants to get their name out there and meet others in the biz. I totally recommend it. Until next year, Kate

Hello People: On Saturday, February 9th, my friend, Chelsea organized to have me come and hang out with and play some songs for the women who live at the Mavis McMullen Co-op located in Vancouver's downtown eastside. It is the second time I have spent time with the women at Mavis and it is a real pleasure for me to be there with these women. I am able to share my music with them and they share with me their tenacity, courage and positive outlook on life. I feel amazed and am blessed to be able to sing for them. Thank-you, Women of Mavis for having me. And, thank-you, Chelsea for getting me there. Until next time, I am yours in music, Kate

On Saturday, January 12/08, I had the pleasure of performing in the home of Jan Radford, her partner, Lindsey and their four children. Jan and Lindsey “purchased” me for an evening of musical entertainment as part of the silent auction for the Fowl Supper: an annual fundraising dinner put on by the Dr. Peter Centre. The Dr. Peter Centre provides comfort and care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, BC. There were lots of great women at the party, we had a blast and the money went to an invaluable cause. Thank-you Jan and Lindsey for your generosity to the Dr. Peter Centre and thank-you for having me into your home. I had a fantastic time! And….happy birthday, Jan! Regards, Kate

Hello Good Folks and Folk Music Lovers: I hope all of you had a fun and relaxing holiday. I have some news I want to share with you that is darn exciting. It’s a bit lengthy-I hope in the rush of life, you can squeeze in a bit of reading time here. First, as you can see, I finally have a new website! Please feel free to send my any feedback in the guestbook or via email. And check out the "Links" page...there is some cool stuff there. Second, over the past several months, Sarah Estacaille, a high-energy videographer, has been working on a video for me that will include interview footage and live gig footage from the Gumboot Café on the Sunshine Coast. The five minute video is in the final stages of production and will be available for viewing soon on myspace, my website as well as on YouTube. So, stay tuned for that! Third, I am working with Sarah MacDougall (www.sarahmac.net) and Joanna Chapman-Smith (www.joannacs.com) at putting together a spring tour of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. The tour will be called “Women in the Round”, just like the women’s performance night that I produce and host at Rhizome Café in Vancouver, BC. We are excited to be working together and will be going on the road in April 2008. We have booked a few dates so far.Check them out on myspace and my website. Fourth, as mentioned in my first blog, I am thrilled to announce that Canada Council has given me my first grant! I have received money to put towards my promotional tools. This rocks! Thanks so much, Canada Council! Fifth, I will be traveling to Memphis, Tennessee for the 2008 North American Folk Alliance February 20-24th to perform showcases with Desert Highway Records, a record company based in L.A and GoGirls, a company out of the USA dedicated to promoting women in music. I am really thrilled to be able to attend the Folk Alliance and spend some time in Memphis, too. So, I want to take this time to thank-you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who have come out to my shows, fed me, given me a place to stay, given me your feedback and opinions and fan mail, let me use your cool photos on my sites, told me your stories and listened to mine, laughed at my jokes and supported me in whatever amazing ways you have. It has been so awesome to work with you, get to know you, see you at shows…all of it! I so appreciate your interest, support and energy. Your response to what I do helps to feed my passion and gives me a boost when things feel challenging. So, with gratitude in my heart: thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! I wish all of you the best for this New Year: health, love and happiness. ---Kate Reid

Hey Friends: I am thrilled to have received my first grant from Canada Council! The funding comes from the Career Development fund which allows artists to improve their promotional tools. Thank-you so much, Canada Council!