Deborah Katz, Violinist and Singer Violinist from Portland, OR

Portland resident Deborah Katz has been playing violin for over 25 years. Classically trained, she began playing viola at the age of 9, and singing even earlier. She expanded her musical chops playing with the prestigious Marin Youth Orchestra, studying music at San Francisco State University, and singing in several professional choirs in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Portland. Residing in Portland since 2004, Deborah is well-respected in the Portland music scene and has played with some of the area's best musicians. Known for playing with passion, emotion, and creativity, Deborah plays all styles of music including classical, rock, blues, country, rockabilly, pop, reggae, jazz standards, Irish, old-timey fiddle and funk. She can also improvise inventive melodies on the spot and sit in with bands cold, leading some to call her "The Fearless Fiddler." Deborah is available for playing at weddings, venues and events, as well as collaborating, recording, and teaching. In addition to her solo work, Deborah plays with local country-rock band The SlimJims and folk/rock/Irish/blues band Booligh Jam. She also sometimes plays with The Steve and Margo Show award-winning singer/songwriter KC Craine. With The SlimJims and with KC Craine, Deborah performed at several major events for Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. Whatever your musical needs are, Deborah's got you covered! Satisfaction guaranteed. "Superlative playing!" - Reina G. Collins, noted singer/songwriter. AUDIENCE RESPONSES: "The best violinist in Portland!" "Sounds like Jimi Hendrix." "Plays with incredible emotion." "You are a gifted violinist!" "Deborah made my wedding more special with her beautiful playing." "Deborah blew us away! She sat in with us and played incredibly well, having never heard the songs before. We didn't even tell her what key they were in. We'd play with her any time." (response from The Concrete Cowboys). "Deborah is amazingly talented. She played like her violin was on fire." "She has a beautiful voice. I love her harmonies."