Katie Locke
Katie Locke, a native of Bradenton, Florida, began her singing career at the ripe age of four. After being announced by her grandmother to an imaginary crowd, she would glide across the carpet singing her best vibrato-infused version of Barbara Streisand's "Memories" on an old hairbrush. This early experience helped her land major roles in seven Youth Opera productions over the years, as well as the coveted role of Annie in "Annie" at the Sarasota Players.
Katie gained valuable experience in high school performing with both the SATB All-State Chorus and the All-State Sight-Reading Chorus on several occasions. She was also the recipient of the Sarasota Jazz Club Scholarship and the Jim Forsell Music Scholarship. An avid classical pianist, she spent her free time volunteering at the local Boys and Girls Club as part of its "Keyboards for Kids" program, and was voted "Best Musician" by her senior class.
Upon entering Berklee College of Music in 2002, Katie quickly became one of the school's most in-demand back-up singers, performing in multiple venues at the Berklee Performance Center, the Middle East, the Hard Rock Cafe, Harper's Ferry, T.T. the Bear's, the Attic, and the All Asia. She has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Livingston Taylor and Susan Tedeschi, and in March of 2004 was given the exciting opportunity to tour New England with Grammy-nominated artist Patti Austin.
As a lead singer, her credits include having performed in Berklee's esteemed "Singer's Showcase," "Songwriter's Showcase," and the Tower of Power Ensemble, and with accomplished wedding band Airtight. In 2004 and 2005, the college recognized her efforts with two Voice Department Achievement awards. Perhaps Katie's greatest opportunity came in May of 2006, when she was asked to sing "Come to my Window" to Melissa Etheridge as part of Berklee's Commencement Concert.
During her tenure at Berklee, Katie also excelled in other areas of the school, primarily as a staff writer for The Groove for two years. Upon graduating with a Professional Music Degree in December of 2005, Katie was able to channel her music journalism and business knowledge into two exciting internships: with The Improper Bostonian magazine and the promotions department of 92.9 WBOS radio station. The latter internship eventually led to a paid street team position.
In May of 2006, Katie and her band released an EP of songs entitled Works for Me, which has been selling rapidly on CDBaby. Since relocating to NYC, the Katie Locke Band has been making a name for themselves at such celebrated venues as Arlene's Grocery, The Annex, The Bitter End, The Cutting Room, Spike Hill, Kenny's Castaways, and Rockwood Music Hall. Last year, Katie served as the Director of Sales for Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp and interned for the renowned 80’s rock artist Martin Briley. She currently teaches piano to over 100 students at Keys to Success music school as she continues to pursue her dream of eating, sleeping, and breathing music!