Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers + special guest Katie Todd

Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers (BAWKS) have been entertaining Midwest audiences with their cello-infused alternative pop/rock sound since 2015. Members Betsy Ade (lead vocals, guitar), Katie Todd (piano, keyboards, vocals), Joe Adamek (guitars), John Kulas (bass guitar), Scott Fox (percussion) and Ryan Andersen (cello), have released 5 CD’s. This includes a full-length album, several EPs, and an exciting range of fun and influential videos.

They have been humbled by their success, performing with international acts that include Melissa Etheridge, Nancy Wilson, Blind Melon, Shawn Colvin, Blue October, KT Tunstall, Lindsay Ell, Candlebox, The Gufs, Skerryvore, Cathy Richardson, Sebastian Bach, and many more. 2019 was an exciting year for BAWKS! Ade was a Top 24 Contestant on NBC’s “The Voice”, where she had the rare opportunity to work with 3 different coaches, including; John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, and Adam Levine. Ade’s experience on “The Voice” has brought international attention to the band’s talents and charitable efforts.

BAWKS have been recognized through numerous awards and nominations since inception. This includes, but not limited to; Finalist for 2023 Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s (WAMI) Pop Performer of Year and Rock Song of the Year for “I Don’t Owe You”,  2023 Best of Milwaukee’s “Best Rock Band” and an award for Best Song (“Aligned”) on Songwriter’s Universe, and winner of 2019 WAMI’s Best Rock/Pop Band.  Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers music can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube, Apple Music, and most music-related streaming platforms.

Katie Todd:

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Katie started studying classical piano when she was 4 years old. Now she’s shared the stage with such music luminaries as Jewel, Steve Winwood, 10,000 Maniacs, Sarah McLachlan, Patti LaBelle, Huey Lewis and The News.

From 2002 to 2015 Katie made 4 full-length original music studio albums. Those records, “Changing Faces,” “Mumbled Speech,” “Make Some Time For Waisting,” and “Closer” all received rave reviews in midwest journals. The Katie Todd Band played dozens of sold-out shows in Chicago and surrounding areas and many would have lines of people waiting to say “Hi” and get Katie’s autograph.

Now, in 2024, Katie is focusing on the kids and their caregivers with the release of “Katie Todd: Aminals,” a full-length album featuring 10 new songs, each of which tells the story of a different animal!