Live from the Archives: Bear Grass

Katie Hammond, second from right, performs with her band Bear Grass in the basement archives at The Daily Gazette.

Editor’s note: Live from the Archives is a video performance of local bands, playing a set in the basement archives of The Daily Gazette. This week, it’s Bear Grass from Troy. See more performances at dailygazette.com/fromthearchives.

Katie Hammond has a lot on her plate these days. Fortunately, she’s very good at organizing.

The lead singer and songwriter for Bear Grass since 2012, Hammond has the popular indie folk rock band playing all over upstate New York as well as parts of New England nearly every weekend.

In her daily 9-5 gig, she is an administrative specialist at Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI, and she also works part time at the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District helping that group plan its events.

A native of Washington state, Hammond has been in the Capital Region for nine years, ever since coming to The College of Saint Rose, where she studied the music industry.

Bear Grass, which consists of Hammond, Ian White, Tommy Krebs and August Sagehorn, was formed in September of 2012. The original members were Hammond, White, Mitch Masterson and Stephen Stanley, with Krebs joining the group in June of 2013 and Sagehorn in September of 2014.

Q: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

A: Much of my life is focused in and around events and Bear Grass is a large piece of that; however, my daytime job is in event management. I have worked on events in many capacities and for multiple organizations over the past five-plus years and this is where I make my living. Another big part of my life is renovating my house, it’s an early 1900s two-family brick home with lots of fun character.

In the band we have a geologist, a vintage clothes dealer and a tax man.

Q: What other musician would you most like to have join your band?

A: Not that this is exactly possible, but I think everyone in the band could agree that Michael Jackson is that guy.

Q: Did you have a favorite group or performer when you were growing up?

A: Unfortunately, not really; the rest of the band is much more interesting in their childhood music selections. I however didn’t really connect to music much until I got to high school and discovered Death Cab, Laura Veirs, The Microphones, Pedro The Lion, The Shins, etc.

Q: Do you remember the first time you performed in front of people?

A: I have been singing since before I can remember so I can’t quite think of the first time I performed in front of people. My brother, best friend and I were always making up little plays and performing them for our parents. I was also in all the elementary school plays and talent shows and would sing at local community performances with my mom. I have been performing for people for what seems like my entire life.

Q: Who or what is your favorite performer/group these days? Who do you listen to?

A: I still love my Laura Veirs. She’s just delectable.

Learn more about Bear Grass at beargrasssongs.com.