Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Katia was raised in a musical family on a diet of funk, soul and R&B. She grew up with an arts-centered education and moved to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester College in 2006. Since graduating, she has dedicated her life to the arts, working in various capacities with Pangea World Theater, Teatro del Pueblo, TigerLion Arts, St. Paul Public Schools Community Education, Minnesota Jewish Theater, Jazz Central Studios and the Twin Cities Cabaret Artists Network.   Katia is the Executive Director of Minnesota Jazz Education.

Performing an inspired and enticing variety of musical styles with the Twin Cities’ top players, Katia has been described as having “the pipes to get over an R&B tune, but also has the instincts and subtlety to handle jazz standards" (Rhythm & Grooves).

AARP MN & the Twin Cities Jazz Festival Present Jazz Fest Live Featuring Katia Cardenas