Sleder’s is pleased to announce Ann Arbor based songwriter and Michigan Emmy recipient Kitty Donohoe will be performing on the Porch on February 3 at 3 pm. Iconic WFMT-Chicago folk DJ, Rich Warren put Kitty on his list of the 50 Most Significant Songwriters in the Last 50 years, saying she is “far above and beyond most singer-songwriters.” She writes music described as “earthy, luminous, and compelling” (The Weekender), and she’s been praised by the press equally for her voice, her musicality, and her songwriting. Sing Out!, one of the oldest and most respected folk music magazines in the industry, describes Kitty as “one of the rare singer-songwriters to sensuously weave words and melody into a strong and mesmerizing fabric.” Since the late 80’s Kitty has recorded six CDs, all to critical acclaim. Sleder’s will be a perfect setting to celebrate the release of her latest CD, The Irishman’s Daughter.
Kitty’s Emmy winning song, “There Are No Words,” written on 9/11, was featured in a documentary, which led to her singing it live at the Dedication of the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial in 2008—an experience she calls “profound.” Also in 2008, Kitty and sideman David Mosher took the stage at an Obama rally just before Bruce Springsteen. Over the years Kitty has performed in countless clubs and festivals around the country and in Canada and has opened for a variety of artists such as Doc Watson, David Bromberg, Bruce Cockburn, and Cheryl Wheeler.
About Kitty
Kitty grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, the oldest daughter of a non-Catholic Irish American family of 8 children. She picked up the guitar at 16 and, tapping into her innate ability to rhyme and make melodies, her original songs began to take shape and she was soon going to open mic nights and local coffeehouses. As well as being excited by the emerging folk scene of the 60’s, Kitty was equally influenced by music on the radio, and she went through eras of loving Motown, the blues, the British Invasion, California country rock, and bluegrass. Kitty learned to sing by singing – in choirs, belting along with records, and by being the “girl singer” in bands.
When she became involved in Irish music, Kitty bought a cittern (a large mandolin), and she still primarily plays guitar, cittern, and piano. Kitty is a solid solo performer, and also often brings multi-instrumentalist David Mosher to her concerts, where he backs her up with guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and vocals. And although some of her originals may sound like they were written 100 years ago and others are clearly contemporary, one thing is certain: With or without a band behind her, Kitty’s striking voice carries it all, delivering each song with power and emotion.
The Kitty Donohoe concert at Sleder’s is set for Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd, 2019 at 3 p.m. The Lansing State Journal says Kitty “can set an audience on fire.” This show will surely warm your hearts.
Tickets for Kitty Donohoe
- Sleder’s Tavern, 717 Randolph St., Traverse City, MI 49684
- Oryana Food Coop, 260 E Tenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
- Brilliant Books, 118 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
For more info or to reserve tickets by phone with a credit card ($1 surcharge), call Sleder’s at 231-947-9213.
- $20 in advance
- $25 at the door
Showtime
- Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. ET