Kate Gaffney

Kate Gaffney is a storyteller who sings of the beauty and complexities of life’s journey. Her songwriting is vivid and immersive, inviting listeners to ride shotgun beside her, through encounters of love, loss, and discovery. She draws inspiration from colorful characters, scenic byways and coastal charm. Born in Florida and raised in Pennsylvania, she headed West with a degree in human services from Penn State. It was in Northern California that she found her musical calling. She roamed and rambled from coast to coast, honed her skills in her hometown of Philadelphia and toured everywhere in between. The Pacific Ocean summoned her back to California where, over two decades, she built a loyal following in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area while earning a reputation for authenticity, warmth, and emotional depth. Pennsylvania recently called her home to connect with her deepest roots and closest ties. A seasoned performer and recording artist, Gaffney has released four albums: Highways, The New Then, The Coachman, and Here by the Ocean and appeared at renowned festivals including the Philadelphia Folk Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

Turn of the Century Troubadours, Kate Gaffney and Ben Chandler are an American folk duo whose music blends introspective songwriting, rich harmonies, and expressive instrumentation into a warm, emotionally grounded sound. Their collaboration feels immediate and natural, shaped by shared musical instincts and individual depth.

Benjamin Chandler is widely respected for his amazing technical guitar skills, finessed vocal harmonies and command of multiple instruments. He has been creating music his entire life after being born and raised near Rochester, New York by parents who are both professional musicians. He started with piano, studied French horn, then found passion and comfort in the guitar at age 12. He earned a degree in sound recording technology from SUNY Fredonia while exploring a wide range of musical experiences, from founding the jamband The Winter Caps to playing bass in the nu metal rock band Haze. Chandler then migrated to Philadelphia, started a family and worked as a recording engineer at Indre Studios and Big Sky Audio with producer Drew Raison. A decade later he established the alt-country band Sweet 66 before venturing out after the Covid pandemic to spearhead his solo career. Chandler’s forthcoming album highlights his sophisticated songwriting and vulnerable reflections upon love, hope, and the complexities of the human experience.

Gaffney & Chandler share an unprecedented musical connection that sounds as if they’ve been playing together for decades. Their collaboration began in late 2025 when Kate asked Ben to accompany her for a Philadelphia Folksong Society performance. The chemistry was undeniable. They fuse acclaimed songwriting, soaring vocals, nuanced harmonies, and dynamic guitar work to craft original music that is deeply personal and authentic. It’s folk-chic, cosmic-tinged Americana that captures the intimacy of a front porch jam and the vibrant energy of a rock club. This compelling duo showcases Gaffney’s powerful voice and Chandler’s instrumental strength while featuring their engaging lyrics and poignant melodies. Drawing inspiration from classic rock, alt-country jambands, Greenwich Village and Laurel Canyon-era folk, Lilith Fair songstresses and even 1980s power ballads, they deliver timeless performances that resonate with audiences as storied as their influences.