Touring Singer Performs in her Hometown of Millbrae

Local singer and songwriter Katie Garibaldi performed on Saturday afternoon in Millbrae, where her career first began. 

At the annual St. Dunstan Fall Festival, Garibaldi played in front of a hometown crowd.  She played for nearly an hour, including songs from a number of her albums, including her most recent, "Next Ride Out."  

This weekend's performance was just the latest stop for the local artist who's been writing and performing songs for years. 

Garibaldi, who was recently named one of Music Connection Magazine's Top 100 Live Unsigned Artist of the Year, first learned guitar while attending Taylor Middle School in Millbrae.   

"As soon as I learned guitar I started writing songs and by the time I was in high school I was writing songs like crazy," said Garibaldi. "I started recording on cassette tapes at home and giving them out to friends." 

In her sophomore year, she began performing.  Starting at a local café and at the Mills Talent Show, she made the conscious decision to follow music as a career.  

"I went to a couple of conferences on indie music and it was so exciting and up my alley – I knew it was right for me," she said. 

Garibaldi continued playing at local venues.

"I performed at retirement homes in Millbrae, then all over the Bay Area."  

Beyond that, she has toured extensively up and down the West Coast, as well as the East Coast. Even so, she regularly performs at benefit shows and fundraisers.  

"I aim to give back regardless of where I am in my career," she said. 

Garibaldi describes her music style as acoustic-Americana, with both a country and pop feel, and writes both mellow and upbeat songs. 

"It's my dream job," said Garibaldi. "It's a lot of work but it's fun and rewarding." 

Managing her own career and label, Garibaldi does her own website and promotional work. Releasing her first album in high school, Garibaldi, 26, has already recorded six albums.

"The biggest challenge of an indie artist is getting the exposure that big-label artists have," said Garibaldi. "It can be hard to get your name out there." 

To support the local music industry, Garibaldi is the San Francisco coordinator of a nonprofit group, Songsalive.  

"I showcase singers each month in San Francisco, giving artists a chance to play," she said. "It's nice to be on the other end of the process, where I am the one booking people.

This Saturday's performance at the St. Dunstan Fall Festival has become a tradition for Garibaldi, returning to sing each year for nearly decade. 

"When I've been touring and singing elsewhere it's fun to get to come back here and play at home," she said. "I like to support my local town."