Road Notes with the Katie Jane Band
This summer, Stanis Creative Solutions packed our cameras (and sunscreen!) and hit the road with the Katie Jane Band. From Whidbey Island to Roseburg, we filmed, jammed, camped, and made some memories we’ll be laughing about for a long time.
Stop #1: Whidbey Island
The tour kicked off at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in May. Katie’s fiddle filled the room, the crowd cheered, and we knew right away this summer was going to be something special. We filmed the Katie Jane Band lighting up the stage alongside other Celtic acts—it was the perfect way to start. As audience members for the other festival bands, we got to enjoy the Celtic tunes ourselves (work perk!).
Stop #2: Roseburg, Oregon
Next up: the cozy Rosebud Theater. We filmed the band in their element—Katie leading with her signature smile and energy, Jodi sparkling both literally (sequins, glitter, and all!) and musically on upright bass, Curt grounding the sound with his down-to-earth style and dry humor, and Brian bringing his fun-loving percussion and quick jokes to the mix. Filming this show felt like bottling up magic—Katie’s fiddle soaring, the band’s energy buzzing, and the audience totally locked in.
Into the Highland Games
June meant Highland Games season, and the road trip vibes were strong. We set up camp in Central Oregon, trading our editing desks for tents and starry skies. Julie walked away with a sunburn that deserved its own credit line, but the performances were worth every ray.
Prosser, Washington, was unforgettable. Not only did we film fantastic sets, but we also witnessed anvil firing (yes, anvils literally launched into the air). Spoiler: the anvil did not land on our paper plate, so no prize money this time. But we did meet a baby Highland Cow, Mary Queen of Scots and her court, and Jon even joined in on the fiddle. Nila joined us for this event, adding her easygoing presence and magic chimes, reminding us how every small sound can make a performance shine brighter.
By Tacoma, things had turned into a family of Celtic musicians. We joined a jam with the Celtic Spoons group and other extraordinary musicians, and laughed our way through Brian and Curt’s endless stream of “dad jokes.” We purchased some fantasy jewels from the crew at the Chocolate Lantern, a new kilt, and a warm woolen Highland poncho for those chilly nights!
July wrapped with the Pacific Northwest Highland Games in Enumclaw. Katie’s fiery fiddle absolutely shredded for the biggest crowd of the summer! Jodi’s sequined sparkle matched her basslines, Brian’s rhythms drove the night forward, and whether on acoustic guitar or his sweet flute, Curt added a soulful layer that grounded the music and drew the audience in.
The Band’s Sparkle ✨
Katie’s smile is contagious—she and Jodi have this way of lighting up the stage so that everyone, band and audience alike, gets caught up in their energy. Jodi’s upright bass holds everything steady. Curt’s grounded musicianship allows him to jump effortlessly between guitar and flute! Nila’s gentle magic and Brian’s playful spirit keep the rhythm pulsing on bodhrán and percussion. Together, The Katie Jane Band is pure magic—and we’re lucky to help capture it. Unforgettable.
Why We Do What We Do
For us at Stanis Creative, the best part of the summer was letting the band’s sparkle shine through photos and video. From live performances to behind-the-scenes moments, our job was to bottle up the joy, laughter, and music so it can be shared far beyond the festival grounds.
