"…so I quit my government job, sold my house, painted my truck pink, loaded it up, auctioned off the rest, and headed for Nashville."

Not an unfamiliar story, but Washington state native Kati Thompson has the moxy and drive, not to mention the talent, to pull it off. Her effervescent enthusiasm is infectious, immediately putting people at ease and getting them on her side. Kati's passion for country music and the outdoors hail from a Northwestern logging family with strong country roots-her grandmother ran a major dance hall in Washington state, hosting acts such as Little Jimmie Dickens and Hank Snow. As an auctioneer for Ducks Unlimited and the Washington Department of Game, she further developed her deep affinity for wildlife and outdoor activities. With additional interests ranging from scuba diving and flying to herb gardening and antique cars, Kati can't help but be a lively performer, interacting with both her band members and the audience.

She is a gifted vocalist, songwriter, harmony singer, and plays guitar as well as drums and percussion. About her writing, Kati says: "Like in Dolly Parton's song, I had a Coat of Many Colors my grandmother made for me, and all the kids at school teased me about it. I try to write songs to touch other people like that song touched me."

Kati's strong, bluesy vocals have been attracting attention at Music City venues including the Bluebird, 3rd & Lindsley, and The Starlight Club and through a variety of demo session work. She has been writing and performing music since grade school. She joined her first group, the Sunshine Girls, at 9 years old, bringing music and cookies into the lives of nursing home residents. Her professional career began in high school, later forming her own band, and then working with a top regional group, Blue Ringer. After a five song demo tape recorded in Seattle brought her industry interest, Kati headed for Nashville to hone her already sharp songwriting skills and work toward finding a label home for her music.

Her most recent recording is a four song project featuring the production genius of Michael Clark and the engineering artistry of Alan Johnson, both of The Bob and Tom Show fame. The project showcases a cast of stellar musicians and reflects her widely varied influences, ranging from Bonnie Raitt, and Pat Benatar to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash-seamlessly incorporating her deep country roots with the soul and passion of her blues/rock influences. Her songs are fresh, lively and substantial, clearly exhibiting Kati's complexity and zest for life.