KaTanya Brewer
singer
"I choose songs that are personal to me. I sing about love, the loss of love, happiness, forgiveness and so much more.”
Artist Bio
KaTanya Brewer began performing at the Short North Arts District’s monthly Gallery Hop in the summer of 2009 and immediately fell in love with street performing. In January of 2021 she had an unexpected brain surgery that nearly ended her life, but returned to street performing as soon as she was able. Brewer believes that music really does bring people together and she wants people to walk by and feel that passion that she has for music and have it resonate with them as well. Brewer has received two GCAC Individual Artist grants and is a part of GCAC’s street performer program.
Artist Links
Artist Gallery
Artist Q & A
How do you describe your art and creative process?
I like to think that my vocal performances inspire people and cause them to remember special events or times in their lives. I have spent my life listening to the vocal stylings of performers that have mesmerized me for decades. I get lost in their lyrics, vocal acrobatics and in the passion they deliver during a performance. From those displays I have emulated their styles and made it my own.
Why do you choose to be a street performer?
I embrace street performing because I am able to perform without anxiety. I can attest that music beautifies our environment no matter where it's played. I've even seen music motivate people to action while performing during protests held in downtown Columbus. For that reason, I look for opportunities and take them. My iPad and wireless Bluetooth-connected speaker goes with me everywhere should an opportunity arrive.
What do you love about your art?
I love the stories that are shared with me before, during and after. People pass, smile, listen and even sing along. I love to see reactions and hear stories about what a particular song or music genre means to someone. I see smiles, weeping and dancing in the streets. Music! It's what feelings sound like and binds us all together.
How do you choose what to sing?
I choose songs that are personal to me. I sing about love, the loss of love, happiness, forgiveness and so much more.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I have officially been diagnosed with epilepsy and I recently got married again—something I thought I'd never do again.