Katherine Rondeau

 Introducing Folk Powerhouse Katherine Rondeau

Katherine Rondeau is a full-throttle singer-songwriter who focuses her passion for classic folk music through a thoroughly modern lens. After bursting onto the Philadelphia folk scene in 2015, she was quickly recognized for her rich, bold voice and warm, engaging performance style.

And what a voice it is! Iconic Folk DJ Rich Warren of WFMT’s Midnight Special program may have said it best: “She possesses an amazing set of pipes and knows how to use them.” Katherine’s soaring alto moves effortlessly through all facets of the folk genre – the haunting cry of an Appalachian-inspired murder ballad, a powerful, passionate call for social justice, a honey-warmed love song, and a roof-raising singalong that inspires the whole audience to “join the choir!”

Katherine’s January 2019 release Unfortunate Point of View was the #9 Folk album of the year – and the only album to chart for one full year on the Folk Alliance Folk DJ charts. The album was selected as one of the best of the year on many iconic folk radio shows including Wanda Fischer’s Hudson River Sampler (IL), Lilli Kuzma’s Folk Festival (IL), and John Ramsey’s Acoustic Revival (WI). “Possessing one of the finest voices in folk music, with Unfortunate Point of View Katherine has created her finest work to date. A top 10 favorite of 2019” – Ron Olesko, Folk Music Notebook.

In 2018 Katherine was selected as a Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Grassy Hill Emerging Artist, and she has received multiple juried showcases at Folk Alliance regional conferences across the country, including a formal showcase at the 2020 Southwest Regional Folk Alliance conference, and repeat showcases in 2019 and 2017 at the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference. “Katherine Rondeau is a bold voice in the folk world and Unfortunate Point of View showcases her strengths as a dynamic songwriter and singer.” Chris Kocher, WHRW

Katherine has established herself as a national touring artist moving beyond the East coast to shows in New England, the Southeast, and Midwest. While the Covid-19 virus has suspended in-person touring temporarily, she has performed at numerous virtual concerts including a set at the 2020 Philadelphia Folk Festival and shows at Godfrey Daniels and Club Passim. Coming in 2021 is a virtual set at the Philadelphia Folksong Society’s Cabin Fever Festival, and an in-person performance at the Woodstock (IL) Folk Festival in July!

“Katherine Rondeau has a powerful voice and stage presence. Joy emanates as she invites the audience to experience the songs along with her which makes for a warm and appreciative community from the first note to the last.”  Kathy Sands-Boehmer, me&thee coffeehouse

50 Word Bios

No need for a formal introduction to the rootsy folk sound of Katherine Rondeau! With a top ten folk album of 2019 Katherine's rich voice, powerful original songs, and bold personality create a soulful folk experience you won't forget. "She possesses an amazing set of pipes and knows how to use them." Rich Warren, Midnight Special 

Katherine Rondeau’s soaring alto moves effortlessly through all facets of the folk genre – whether sharing a haunting cry from a haunting Appalachian murder ballad or engaging audiences in a rousing, feel-good singalong."One of the finest voices in folk music. A top 10 of 2019." Ron Olesko, Folk Music Notebook 

One Line Bios

Katherine Rondeau is a full-throttle folk singer-songwriter with a big, bold voice whose acclaimed 2019 album Unfortunate Point of View is a top ten album of the year on the FAI Folk DJ charts.  

With her top ten album (FAI Folk DJ charts) selected as a 2019 favorite by acclaimed Folk DJs across the country, "Katherine Rondeau is a bold voice in the folk world and Unfortunate Point of View showcases her strengths as a dynamic songwriter and singer." Chris Kocher, WHRW

Possessing one of the finest voices in folk music, with Unfortunate Point of View Katherine has created her finest work to date. A top 10 favorite of 2019. Ron Olesko, Folk Music Notebook

Katherine Rondeau is a bold voice in the folk world and Unfortunate Point of View showcases her strengths as a dynamic songwriter and singer. From songs with a conscience to tales of relationships gone wrong (or at least not quite right), her palette has colors to please both traditional and contemporary folk fans. Chris Kocher, WHRW-FM

There is a warmth and a strength to Rondeau’s singing and to her music in Unfortunate Point of View that keeps me looking forward to the next cut on the CD. Her choices in material, both her originals and well-interpreted covers, make for a fine release. Bill Revill, WESU-FM

Katherine Rondeau has subtly added to her sound on her second release, Unfortunate Point of View, adding an old-time, bluegrass touch with mandolin and banjo, and like her New Hope Chateau from 2016, it’s her songwriting and strong voice that carries the day. Ink19

Unfortunate Point of View is steeped in Southern grit and style. Sometimes bluesy, sometimes wistful, Katherine's soulful voice takes us on a journey down winding back roads through the heart of Natchez Trace and beyond. Abby Parks, WLJS-FM

I reviewed Rondeau's first work released under her own name, New Hope Chateau, and found it to be a magnificent debut work. My opinion of Unfortunate Point of View, her second release, is no less effusive. Were I to say that folk based music can also have a "catchy" tune, would that make any sense at all? Yet that is exactly what I found in Rondeau's second release. Her voice is no less spectacular than before. Hailing from Philadelphia, not especially the bastion for folk based music, Rondeau delivers eleven tracks that while technically folk styled, have interesting enough arrangements that one not especially given to folk music would certainly find pleasing and very listenable. Rondeau, through her first two, self released works, has established herself as a national force in folk music. However, after listening to "Unfortunate," I'd say she is really much more. She's just good. Audiophilereview.com

Katherine's amazing voice makes the rafters ring! Her smooth, rich alto, combined with outstanding songwriting and guitar work, captivates the audience wherever she goes. Energy is her middle name. Wanda Adams Fischer, WAMC-FM / Albany, NY

Katherine Rondeau’s voice holds authenticity and soul in every note. Modern folk music in the finest tradition of the form. Justin Helmer, Frets, KVSC-FM / Minneapolis, MN

Katherine delivered the in-your-face power of the rousing anthem and the exquisite pain of the love lost ballad with equal assuredness, masterful technique, and an emotional sincerity that connected each of us directly to her heart.  A must see!  Mark Schaffer, Programming Chairman for the Folk Project Acoustic Getaway

Don't miss Katherine Rondeau's silky voice and beautiful playing. Be warned: she will mesmerize you! Princeton Folk Music Society