BB Bowness

Catherine "BB" Bowness is the co-founder of the acclaimed group Mile Twelve and a trailblazing force in the international bluegrass scene. Her journey from a small-town New Zealand fish-and-chip shop to becoming the New Zealand School of Music’s first-ever banjo student highlights the incredible tenacity and vision she brings to every stage. In concert, BB captivates audiences with her sophisticated mastery of the five-piece band dynamic, blending traditional foundations with a refreshingly modern technical approach. As an instructor, she offers students a rare perspective shaped by her history as a self-taught pioneer, helping them cultivate the same discipline and curiosity that fueled her own professional rise. Whether you are experiencing her virtuosic picking in a live performance or studying her innovative techniques, BB provides an inspiring and authentic connection to the heart of modern bluegrass.