Quotes...

It was the show you did not want to miss.  Local, Kate Diaz opened up the show.  She played a couple of original songs on the guitar.  And although it must have been nerve-wrecking playing up on stage for the big crowd that it was, she made it look easy.  She did an amazing job; ... It was a lot of fun and very memorable. Both acts did a fantastic job and knew how to please the crowd.  A lot of success is in store for Kate Diaz, and Emblem3 is about to set the young adult market on fire this summer.  - Peter Lizano, Music Tour Reviews: Emblem 3 - March 2013

Local musician Kate Diaz opened the (sold-out) show, appearing solo with acoustic guitar. The teen artist was warmly welcomed by her peers and gave a strong vocal performance of original material. -  Daniel Deslover, music photographer - Examiner.com live concert review: Emblem3 rides "Riptide' into Chicago House Of Blues - March 2013.

“Down To Earth” is an assertive rock/pop song which has the energy and full sound of a Kelly Clarkson radio hit--you wouldn't guess that it's a 15-year-old who wrote and sang this song. It has a distinctive song title which cleverly captures the Earth Day theme, and a well crafted lyric which elaborates on this message. "Down To Earth" also provides a good showcase for Diaz's expressive, soulful vocal performance. – Dale Kawashima, Founder SongwriterUniverse - October 2012.

Kate Diaz is a name you may not have heard of yet, but I can almost guarantee you will become very familiar with in the next several years.  At the age of 15, she already demonstrates songwriting prowess and maturity that most 25 year olds only dream of.  Having an incredible voice definitely doesn't hurt either.  Simply put, she's ten years ahead of everyone else, and I can't wait to see where she ends up. - Sonicbids Weekly Shoutout Vol. 41 - September 2012.

I love the tone of this young girl’s voice and think she’s a promising songwriter.  At the age of 15, I think she’s off to a superb start. The song “Down to Earth” is a “call to awareness” type of song.  She has a natural knack to her writing that has a natural rhythmic flow. The lyrical content is clever in her approach in raising awareness to environmental matters.  The arrangement is tight. This is a song that seems to be over too quickly….ear candy created with piano melodies, vocal flow, etc. – Holly Hutchinson, Owner/A&R Executive at IL SistemaANRGIRL– June 2012.

A highlight for me was seeing Kate Diaz.  After getting over the moment of depression I had when I realized that a 14-year-old had more musical talent than I’ll ever have, I really enjoyed listening to her voice and I was shocked at her incredibly mature songwriting. She explained that her song “At The Same Time” was about her being torn between playing music and soccer, but after listening I really just think “soccer” was a code word she gave her parents for “boyfriend.” (Don’t worry Kate, I won’t tell!) – Tess Cychosz, Sonicbids – October 2011.

Kate Diaz may be only 14, but her voice and her songs make it clear that she is wise beyond her years… if you're anxious to hear the incredible voice this 14-year-old has up her sleeve, then check out her video below.- COLLEGE NEWS - September 2011.

She’s one of the better songwriters I’ve heard in a long time.  She’s like a pretty well-rounded, well-adjusted kid who’s from Chicago and just loves to play music. It’s empowering … if you’re a kid and you see someone near your age playing like that … it’s amazing. That’s pretty inspiring. – Tor Hyams, Kidzapalooza festival producer - Chicago Sun-Times August 2011.

Kate Diaz is a Chicago-area teenage singer-songwriter who, judging by her YouTube channel, writes a lot of songs. I suspect that of all the teen acts at Kidzapalooza this weekend, she's the most likely to graduate to one of the other stages at the festival. – SAShepherd, ZooGobble – August 2011.

The entire set played by 14-year-old Northwest Suburban singer/songwriter/guitarist Kate Diaz, who nailed every stirring song. You heard it here first: You'll likely see her performing on one of the Lolla main stages in a few years. – Judy Sutton, TimeOut Chicago Kids – August 2011.

TURN IT UP: Catch If You Can: Kate Diaz (11:30 a.m., Kidz): Promising 14-year-old Northwest suburban folk-pop singer should get the day off to a pleasant start at the well-shaded Kidz oasis. – Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune music critic, August 2011.

Chicago area native Kate Diaz gives a preview performance before her breakthrough gig this weekend at Kidzapalooza. - Chicago Tribune CHICAGO LIVE! 08-04-11.

She’s going to rise to the top…just you wait and see. – Amy Mueller, Kidzapalooza Blog, August 2011.

Kate Diaz, a young, talented artist who raises money for children’s cancer and has seen a lot of great accomplishments in her career already. – Dennis Kelly, Owner/Editor

Ever since we first saw Kate amaze us at the Metro we knew she was well beyond her years. – Chris Catania, LiveFIX Music Blog – September 2011.

I watched amazed at the skill and composure of Kate as she nailed the song, ultimately putting a big pleasureful smile of approval on K’naan’s face too.  Cheers and a roaring applause erupted after Kate finished strumming the song’s final chord. It was truly a moment where a fan was transforming into an artist right before our very eyes. – Chris Catania, LiveFix Music Blog – December 2010.

14 year old singer/songwriter Kate Diaz took the stage after. Impressing the crowd with beautiful melodies and harmonies.  - Jonathan White, Grayslake PATCH - February 2011.

Kate Diaz is an absolute pro, and Christmas Smiles sounds like a song made by a singer/songwriter who’s been at it for years. – Chris, The Indie Music Database – December 2010.

In The News...

2013
April
Chicago Sun-Times The Daily Sizzle:Local acts slted for Taste Of Chicago stage.
RedEye Exclusive: 2013 Taste Of Chicago Bud Light stage lineup.
HuffPost Teen 15-year-old Kate Diaz, used her talents for good back in December. 
March
Independent Music Awards 12th Annual Independent Music Awards Nominees Announced.
February
International Songwriting Competition 2012 Semi-Finalists announced.
2012
December
Huffington Post Teen Musician Donates Earnings from Holiday Music to Cancer Research.
HooplaHa What Makes You Smile: Christmas Smiles.
National YoungArts Foundation National YoungArts Foundation Announces 2013 YoungArts Winners.
ASCAP 2012-2013 ASCAP Plus Awards.
Rocket21 Students Named Grand Prize Winners in “Dream Green” Competition; Meet Former President Jimmy Carter, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sylvia Earle, Lisa Jackson.
SongwriterUniverse Year In Review: Spotlighting Our SongwriterUniverse 2012 “Best Song Of The Month” Contest Winners.
October
SongwriterUniverse Kate Diaz, a promising pop/rock singer/songwriter (from Chicago, IL) who is only 15 years old, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The Month” contest.
September
Sonicbids Weekly Shoutout KATE DIAZ booked by YELLOW PHONE MUSIC CONFERENCE.
OURSTAGE Watch This Video Fridays Video du Jour: Kate Diaz.
August
11th Annual Mountain Stage NewSong Contest CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING 2012 MOUNTAIN STAGE NEWSONG CONTEST REGIONAL FINALISTS!
Malibu Music Awards 2012 Malibu Music Awards Finalists.
July
MEOW Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women Discoveries: Kate Diaz finalist interview.
VENTS Magazine Kate Diaz interview.
MEOW Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women DISCOVERIES 2012 PLAYLIST WINNERS ANNOUNCED.
June
MILWAUKEE SUMMERFEST 45th Summerfest Day 4.
Fearless Radio KATE DIAZ pre-Summerfest interview & performance.
Anrgirl Monthly Critique “THE HOTSEAT” – JUNE 2012 Kate Diaz.
April
The Examiner Cheap Trick, Dave Mason, others – Earth Day on the National Mall, April 22, 2012.
Earth Day Network Musical Lineup at Earth Day Rally on the National Mall.
Earth Day Network Arts and Athletes for the Earth artists and athletes committed to green living and environmental awareness.
February
BERKLEE blogs Songwriter Kate Diaz Highlights the Five-Week Program.
2011
December
ASCAP 2011-2012 ASCAP Plus Awards.
Chicago Acoustic Underground CAU Episode 392 – Artist: Kate Diaz.
CureSearch For Children’s Cancer 14-Year Old Kate Diaz, Singer, Musician, Philanthropist.
Chicago Music Guide Interview with Kate Diaz.
October
SONICBIDS Blog My day at YELLOW PHONE MUSIC CONFERENCE…a highlight for me was seeing Kate Diaz.
Concert Live Wire A hometown effort to showcase bold new music.
JSOnline Tap Milwaukee Meet Saturday’s Yellow Phone Bands, Part Two.
September
COLLEGE NEWS EAR CANDY College News music contest winners.
KISS-FM Special K Radio An Amazing Young Lady Helps Kids w/Cancer…So Can You.
Chicago Tribune TRIBlocal Top Three Soloists and Groups Announced Following Live Performances at Deer Park Town Center.
Chicago Tribune TRIBlocal Kate Diaz Headlines Lake County Mariposa Festival.
LiveFix Music Blog Why Do These Kids Rock, Jam and Amaze Us So Much? w/ @katediazmusic @KidsTheseDays.
August
Daily Herald BG Days turns over Main Stage to local musicians.
Buffalo Grove Patch BG Days Main Act: The Music!
WGN Radio 720 broadcast.
ZooGobble A Quick Guide to Kidzapalooza 2011.
TimeOut Chicago Kids Top Moments from Kidzapalooza 2011 | Friday.
Chicago LIVE! August 4 show recap post-show interview.
Chicago LIVE! Chicago Tribune rock critic Greg Kot gives Rick Kogan the lowdown on Lollpalooza and introduces us to Chicagoland native Kate Diaz, a 14-year-old singer/songwriter performing at the Kidzapalooza stage.
Chicago Tribune TURN IT UP by Greg Kot – Catch If You Can: Kate Diaz.
LiveFix Music Blog Top Picks for Lollapalooza 2011.
Kidzapalooza Blog Kate Diaz – Pre-Lollapalooza interview.
July
Windy City LIVE 14-year-old Lolla performer Kate Diaz takes WCL stage.
Chicago SUN-Times Lollapalooza’s got lotsa music in store for kids, too.
Journal & Topics Newspapers Kate Diaz: Strumming Right Along.
June
TheEdgeOnAir Doug Bolin sat down with our Featured Artist for the Month of June 2011...Kate Diaz.
SONICBIDS Blog Berklee’s Battle of the Bands Congrats to Kate Diaz!
Chicago Tribune TRIBlocal Local Teen Opens for International Superstars in Arlington Heights.
Chicago Tribune TRIBlocal Meet Cathy Richardon and the Macrodots with Kate Diaz June 17.
Berklee College of Music 6 Berklee Singer/Songwriter Finalists in Battle For 5-week.
Chicago SUN-Times Waukegan’s Dandelion Wine fest.
Chicago SUN-Times 2011 Lineup for the Ray Bradbury “Dandelion Wine” fine arts fest.
Lollapalooza 2011 Lollapalooza Lineup.
TimeOut Chicago Kids Kidzapalooza 2011 lineup announced.
March
CLC Radio Kate Diaz gets interviewed live in-studio.
February
LiveFIX Music Blog Concert Preview: Kate Diaz Opens Righteous Babe Showcase.
Grayslake Patch Acoustic Acts Hit the Oasis.
2010
December
Val’s List Holiday Snowy Sunday.
LiveFix Music Blog How Is This 13-year-old Musician Using “Christmas Smiles” To Help Fight Children’s Cancer?
LiveFix Music Blog Rocking with K’naan and Smilin’ to Fight Children’s Cancer.
The Indie Music Database Christmas Smiles and a cure for cancer.
Stubby’s House Of Christmas Christmas Smiles.
Anita Weds Celebrating Good Deeds and Great Talent.
Buffalo Grove Patch Teen Musician Brings ‘Christmas Smiles’
We Heart Music Christmas Smiles.
June
Luna Guitars Blog Making a Difference.
April
LiveFix Music Blog K’NAAN in Chicago: Micro-Moments Create Mega Pleasure.
Chicago Tribune K’naan’s onstage collaboration with Kate, a local 12-year-old girl he saw playing his work on YouTube.
2008
September
Luna Guitars Blog Future Guitar Superstar.

Thank you all for the writeups :)