Kati Penn just wrote in to let us know about a couple new additions to her band.

She has added Jimmy Redden on the 5-string banjo. Born in Soddy Daisy, TN, Jimmy has been playing the banjo since he was 10. In 2004 he embarked on the journey of becoming a professional bluegrass musician, playing with the band Fisher and Company. He then covered for Steve Dilling of IIIrd Tyme Out when Steve had hand surgery in 2005. Jimmy got to perform on The Grand Ole Opry during that time. He played with the Anita Fisher Band for 3.5 years before joining the Katie Penn Band. Jimmy currently lives in Chattanooga, TN.

The other addition is Nick Powell on bass and vocals. Also living in Chattanooga, Nick is a native of Young Harris, GA. An avid bluegrass fan, Nick is also an accomplished mandolin and guitar player who picked up his first instrument at the ripe young age of 5. At age 12 he began performing as part of his family’s band, The Powell Family. His previous bluegrass experience includes performing with the Marksmen Quartet and the Anita Fisher Band.

More information about all the band members is available on Kati’s MySpace page.

Kati tells us the new CD, produced by Rob Ickes, is to be released soon. We’ll let you know when we have news of that.