Katie Ernst

Katie Ernst is described by the Chicago Tribune as "a versatile bassist who plays in far-flung bands and sings with uncommon delicacy and authenticity." She is co-leader of the adventurous Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, folk-jazz duo Wayfaring, and indie rock band Edith Judith. She has received widespread critical acclaim for her Dorothy Parker poetry song cycle Little Words.

Katie Ernst is a touring member of indie folk band Iron & Wine, and is an active sidewoman in the jazz/improvised music communities of Chicago. She serves on the board of directors for the Jazz Institute of Chicago in 2023 and is a teaching artist and mentor for their jazz residency program.

Katie Ernst holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media and a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY where she studied double bass with Jeff Campbell and James VanDemark.