The Kate

The Kate is an innovative arts series produced by Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and streamed on PBS since 2016. This music-centric television series isn't your ordinary concert program, but a complete immersion in the artist's world. The show transcends the conventional boundaries of stage performances and draws both the audience and viewers at home into an empathic and shared connection with each featured talent. Providing an intimate performance space, The Kate celebrates a diverse range of genres and encourages artists to push the limit of their creativity in expressing their craft.

Named after the legendary stage and film actress Katharine Hepburn, the venue for this eclectic series is the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, fondly known as 'The Kate' in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The series serves as a nod to Hepburn’s fearless and groundbreaking approach toward her chosen craft and life in general, inspiring every invited artist and performer to manifest her spirit in their performance.

Each episode is a unique blend of authentic interviews, rehearsals, backstage chats, and, of course, the live performance itself—all captured within the historic walls of The Kate. The structure leans towards a real and intimate narrative rather than merely recording a staged performance, revealing a much deeper connection between the artist's spirit, their art, and the audience.

The series showcases a dazzling array of musicians and performers who take center stage to share their music and stories. The performers come from a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, folk, R&B, blues, country, and more. The eclectic blend of artists opted spans from Grammy winners to emerging talents ready to make a mark in the music industry. Despite the diversity of the artists, what they have in common is their passion for performing and their spirit of theatricality.

The Kate's environment is engineered to spark an intimate bond between performers and viewers. With a live audience that hovers around the 250 mark, the tension and immediacy of the show are profoundly palpable. It keeps the viewers on their toes, making it feel more like a private performance than a standard concert.

In every episode, the artists share their inspirations, struggles, and pivotal moments that have influenced their journey. They are encouraged to reveal the aspects of their lives that often remain hidden in traditional talk-show settings. This format shifts the focus from being purely about the music to also about the creator behind the sound, encapsulating a more detailed perspective on the artist's narrative embolden with their performances.

Influenced by the legendary Katharine Hepburn's bold and independent spirit, artists are daringly urged to abandon their individual comfort zones and typical stage performance, often resulting in genuinely unique and creative acts. The direct interaction between artists and audience members, combined with the casual set-up and unscripted format, creates a cativating atmosphere that is both personal and unpredictable.

The series genuinely highlights the blurred line between the audience and performer, focusing on the shared experience between them. The emphasis is not solely the performance itself, but the symbiotic relationship created between artist and listener. Each artist, through the platform of The Kate, has the unique opportunity to tell their stories, share their music, and connect with their fans on a more intimate and personal level than possible in traditional concert settings.

To sum up, The Kate is not just a music series – it's a rich blend of narratives, personal experiences, inspiration, and raw talent. It's about celebrating the art of performance, challenging traditional boundaries, and pushing the limits of creative expression. The Kate is more than just a venue or a television show – it's a celebration and recognition of the indomitable spirit of the performers, their craft, and the profound bonds forged within a shared artistic experience. The experience of watching The Kate is truly unique, presenting an up-close and personal exploration of the artist's talent, journey, and their intimate performances in a laid-back concert setting. If you're a lover of music and the stories behind the music, The Kate offers an engaging, immersive experience that's well worth tuning in for.