Jennifer Katt has been writing and performing music since the early 1980’s, when she mostly sang with and for friends, which remains her favorite thing to do. In the 1990’s her songwriting trio “Bugleweed” performed its original tunes at local venues, highlighting three-part harmonies with acoustic instrumentation. After that came the duo “Folk Head” (with Tomm Sibert) and then “Random Act,” an 8-member
high-harmony group featuring a lavish array of instruments and vocal
arrangements—like Shenandoah Run, but with less rehearsal.

Now, Jennifer is focusing once again on songwriting and performing, often with others, enjoying the intimacy of smaller venues and listening spaces like the Folk Club of Reston-Herndon (FCRH) She also sings each Sunday with the St. Paul United Methodist Church Choir and with smaller a cappella groups. She is recording a new album of original tunes, which should be out this year. Her love of FolkAmericana music goes back to her childhood, listening to her father play guitar and sing every night as she fell asleep. Other major influences include Nancy Griffith, Lucinda Williams, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, and John Prine. Her songs often feature people who are important to her or stories with an emotional or spiritual bent, reflecting the twists and turns of her own life. Jennifer is retired from a decades-long career as a technical/scientific writer and personal trainer. Other than music, hobbies include competitive swimming, teaching fitness classes, and watching her new granddaughter, Mariana.

Jennifer is so grateful to be back with the FCRH, which she frequents as a performer and audience member and where both roles inspire her as a songwriter. She loves the many friends she has found there, who continue to enrich her life beyond Tuesday evenings. Jennifer is proud to serve as FCRH Treasurer and as host of a regular song circle held at Al’s Arts Barn, featuring members of the FCRH. She is also a longtime member and past board member of the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW) and has won several awards from SAW’s Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. She is looking forward to her showcase, which will include performing with a few of the many talented Folk Club regulars