Remembering Kate Lorenz

Valley Free Radio remembers Kate Lorenz who passed away unexpectedly in 2022

Kate will be remembered by all who knew her for her joy and infectious laughter. She lit up a room with her energy and she surely did the same with her on-air personality. Listen to Kate’s interview on Nine Volt Heart

Kate Lorenz and daughter Pearl in the VFR live studio

Valley Free Radio remembers Kate Lorenz who passed away unexpectedly July 2022. Kate hosted a Classic Rock B-Sides show called The Vinyl Countdown for several years until she became pregnant with her daughter, Pearl, and had too many demands to continue her show. Listen to one of her archive shows here!

Photo Credit: David Schumacher and Courtney Rae Schumacher


Kate was born and raised in Southern Vermont and headed our way to play music. She formed the Amherst-based rock band, Rusty Belle, with Zak Trajano and her brother Matt. They released a batch of classic original albums followed by solo projects from Zak and Matt (whose well known moniker is the Suitcase Junket) and in 2018, Kate released her own “Sing When Lonely”. She collaborated with many other musical projects as well including The Rear Defrosters, Llama Lasagne, and more.

“Sing When Lonely” album cover


A musical tribute for Kate is in the planning stages for next year. We here at VFR will miss Kate’s
enthusiasm and vitality. Keep her in mind when you next approach that VFR microphone and…smile! That would be Kate’s best legacy!

Out under the open skies
Performing with brother Matt Lorenz

Memories of Kate can be sent to the family at the special email set up for this purpose, katelorenzmemories@gmail.com