She attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she studied with Dr. Horace Boyer and renowned avant-garde saxophonist Archie Shepp. She received her BA in African American Music and Jazz.

After graduating she toured with the Boston vocal ensemble, “One O’Clock Jump”. As a soloist, McGarry appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival with Clark Terry and the Hank Jones All Star Quartet.

Kate relocated to Los Angeles where she performed in jazz rooms such as Catalina’s and the Jazz Bakery. Her first recording was well received by critics and audiences alike.

After studying for over two years at the Siddha Meditation Ashram leading music courses, she moved to New York City in 1999.

Her second CD, “Show Me” was released by Palmetto Records in July, 2003 and went to #15 on the Jazz Week charts. Her newest recording, “Mercy Streets” was released in March, 2005.

Her group includes husband Keith Ganz on acoustic guitars, Steve Cardenas – electric guitars, Sean Smith – bass, Kenny Wollesen on percussion and Fred Hersch on piano performing a collection of stellar tracks that feature the intimate soundscapes of her arrangements.