Local Commotion Walking History

 
Kati Beddow Brower has always been knee deep in imagination. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where she started in theater and sang in local bands. She ventured out of Detroit to come to the Tri-State area. She took her theatrical training in NYC at HB Studios, Lee Strasberg and NY Academy.  While living in New York in the '70's, Kati was in a fledgling Actors/Writers/Directors group that produced a local cable show of works by new authors.  Kati is an accomplished vocalist with a love for blues and jazz and has recording experience.   In the 1980s, while living in the Los Angeles area, she was lead singer of a rock group that played local clubs.

Beddow Brower and her family moved back East in 1986 where she participated in local theater productions. Kati created Local Commotion in the Fall of 1993.   As chief, cook and bottle washer, she does the research as well as the writing.   She's written, directed and produced plays in Michigan and Central Jersey theaters, and has performed throughout New Jersey and New York.  For many years Kati has taught theater, improv and writing workshops.

Kati now makes her home in the Matawan, New Jersey with her wonderful husband and beautiful daughter.  She is a proud member of the National Women's History Project, the Matawan Historical Society, former Board member of Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation.   From 2006 to 2011, Kati had been the Educational Programming and Jazz and Blues Youth Project Director for the  Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation.   For several years Kati's a capella group has sung at the JSJBF's Red Bank (NJ) Blues and Jazz Festival.   Since 2001- 2011 she had organized the educational stage at the festival and its performers. Kati is also a committee member and representive on the JSJBF's Educational Programs and Jazz 'n' Blues in the Schools programs.  She is an artist and jewelry maker with a company she founded C'est Tout Handcrafted Jewelry and Art.  While at Rutgers, Kati had her jewelry being sold at the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum.  That was an honor for her.

Her newest project is Heroes: A Definition.  A documentary she wanted to make for many many years.

Kati earned her Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College, Mary Bunting Program New Brunswick, NJ. She Majored in History with a Minor in American Studies (Women’s Studies & African American) Ceremonies on Douglass College Campus. Commencement speaker Dr. Jane Goodall was awesome!

During her years at Rutgers University, Kati was a Mary Bunting Student Advisor. She made the 2004 Dean’s List, and in 2004-2005 was awarded the Lois Zapolsky Prize for Outstanding Participation in Sophia in recognition of Outstanding Achievement and Accomplishment. Kati was accepted the Phi Theta Alpha History Honor Society. She is a Member of Mary Bunting Sophia Club and Bunting Connections. Kati will soon go on for her Masters.

She continues to work and instruct youth in musical and theaterical performance.   Watch for her PASSION FOR PERFORMANCE coming soon.

She loves what she does!

Our Performers

Kati is proud and honored to have these fabulously talented performers, presenters and friends join in Local Commotion's endeavors.

     Diane Wran-Farris joined Local Commotion in 1999.  diane hails from Neptune, NJ and has a Masters in Education. She is a talented actress and vocalist.  For many years, Diane was an admissions officer at Brookdale Community College.  Her caring and nuturing work helped so many Brookdale students and helped them on their way to a higher education.  SisterFriend Diane is such a wonderful and honored asset to Kati's company.  Her friendship is cherished.

     Ms G (Tracey Graves) resides in Bradley Beach, NJ.  She performs not only as a singer, but an actress, too.  She is Local Commotion's most recent addition.  Ms G has a group, Ms G and the Guyz who play around town.  Check them out for some soul, R&B, and blues and some downright fun!

A few COMMENTS:

Kati you are just great as Constance- we love you here at Deanne Porter Elementary School in Rumson (NJ)….
                              D. Berry, PTA (2004 to date)

Elizabeth Van Lew, the Southern spy was a big hit!  You handled the Boy Scout troupe beautifully…
 Patti, audience member, Brick Cultural Center,  2006

Your Blues and Jazz Queens program was fabulous and a wealth of information of the black women of the classic blues era…their lives ... their wonderful stories…

       Dottie Ray, Sunrise Sr. Living Facility resident, 2006

Photos by friends and family- thank you so much for your great contribution to Local Commotion's website! Hugs!

Our Musical Performers

Kati is proud and honored to have these very talented musicians, presenters, and friends  join Local Commotion's endeavors.

SISTERFRIENDS, a cappella:  

      Althea Williams lives with her family in Brick, NJ. She is a wonderful vocalist, as well as an accomplished pianist.  She is a new mother with a beautiful daughter.  

      Diane Wran-Farris has performed with NJs Cabaret for Life,  and various musical venues.

    Ms G resides in Bradley Beach, NJ.  She performs not only as a singer, but an actress, too.  She is Local Commotion's most recent addition.

Other Performing Artists are:

Bo Pezzullo resides in Highlands, NJ.  He's been playing or having the blues for years!  Bo often team up with various musicians to kick out some excellent Blues!  He created a great combo called The Usual Suspects.

  Everald Williams, husband of Althea and a very proud father!  He is a talented saxophonist.  Everald is going for his Masters in music at Rutgers.

    Bill Henry is a wonderfully talented keyboardist who hails from Perth Amboy.  Bill plays Sundays at a Red Bank Church, and has his own Jazz Trio.