Katy Guillen and the Girls have established themselves as an authentic, authoritative rock band. In their short time as a band, the trio has shaped their own musical identity. While rooted heavily in the blues, they take cues from guitar behemoths like Jimi Hendrix, the visionary songwriting of Patty Griffin and the indie rock revivalist sound of Heartless Bastards.
Propelled by a loyal contingent in their hometown of Kansas City and an impressive showing as finalists at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Katy Guillen and the Girls have since taken their vivacious brand of roots rock to stages across the globe. In addition to a persistent cross-country performance schedule, they’ve accepted invitations to play the Montreal International Jazz Festival (July 2014) and Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive At Sea cruise (February 2015). In November 2014, they were sponsored by a cultural development organization (Kultur i Väst) to take a 10-day tour of Sweden. They opened for The Doobie Brothers at the ‘Foundation for the Children of the Californias’ annual benefit concert in San Diego (October 2015). The trio has also become one of Kansas City’s most sought-after groups, earning prestigious slots at local festivals like Middle of the Map Fest and Boulevardia, and routinely selling out 500-plus-capacity venues.
Though the band formed less than 5 years ago, it took root when Guillen first picked up the guitar at the age of 8. At 14, she began participating in blues jams around Kansas City, and within a few years she was a featured guest with local blues legends like John Paul’s Flying Circus. By 2010, she was writing songs and collaborating with veteran drummer Go-Go Ray, with whom she released her first album, When I Get Away.
In September 2012, Guillen was offered an opening slot for Royal Southern Brotherhood at renowned Kansas City blues venue Knuckleheads Saloon, but at the time didn’t have a backing band. When she enlisted the talents of bassist Claire Adams and drummer Stephanie Williams, an immediate chemistry formed that would eventually push her songs to new heights. Not content to simply hold down the beat, Williams brings a signature melodic