Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Lee & Z Smith.
Hi Kaitlyn Lee &, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2024, a mutual friend and local bluegrass legend, Bob Perilla, introduced us at a good ole burger night at Swallow at the Hollow.
At that time, Z was a mentee of his, where he would come over to her house once a week and teach her a few things and then they would head to a bluegrass jam. During this time, Kait did not play this genre of music. In fact, she hadn’t picked up her mandolin in a long time.
At that dinner (the fateful burger night), Z and Kait realized they not only had mutual friends, but they also lived in walking distance of each other’s houses. So, Kait started to drop in on some of their little practices at Z‘s house, mostly just indulging herself in the twang of Bob’s voice.
Fast forward to December 2024. Z can’t get a hold of a Bob via phone and so Kait grabbed another friend and drove over for a wellness check. You see, Bob had a kidney transplant about 7 years prior – and thank god because we got to cross his path! But unfortunately for everyone, he had crossed over to the next realm.
When Bob’s band was at its peak, their local spot was Madam’s Organ in Adam’s Morgan, DC. So, his memorial celebration was planned to be there. Kait and Z, still more or less acquaintances, agreed to prepare a few songs together in the event that there was any space for us to squeeze in around all of the very, very talented musicians coming to this celebration. It worked. They certainly squeezed in, swallowed their anxieties, and gave it their best attempt – for Bob.
The rest is history.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The saddest thing is not having Bob around to see what his introduction has led to. The Double Stops just fell into place, and are one of many of his legacies. Z and Kait are “soul” bandmates as far as they’re concerned.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Double Stops are an old country/bluegrass duo based in Baltimore. Kait sings and plays mandolin and violin, and Z sings and plays guitar and upright bass.
What sets us apart from others is that we are entertainers first. We prioritize having fun and engaging our audience! We are not the most technically advanced duo you will find in the extremely talented DMV area – and we are okay with that! Z is not a professional musician but spent 17 years performing as a clown – as in, got formal training from a clown conservatory in San Francisco! Kait’s mom’s profession was modern dance, and thus, Kait has been on stage in various capacities for much of her life. Kait grew up playing piano and violin – violin the longest. The transition from classical to mountain folk music has been quite the adjustment!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Kait grew up north of Baltimore City, surrounded by nature. You would typically find her places like her neighbors pool, a tree, or her tomato garden – but always outside.
Z was a rambunctious, dyslexic child who loved animals and grew up in Baltimore City. She always knew she would be an artist of some sort. Visual arts were her first calling, but after being cast as Timone in a 5th grade production of The Lion King, her passions broadened.
Pricing:
- From busking to hourly pay! It’s all over the place!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedoublestops.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedoublestops?igsh=M2VrOHR1dG9hbmNj&utm_source=qr
