[3][4] They opened for Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Kathy Mattea, Willie Nelson, Judy Collins, Leo Kottke, and Arlo Guthrie.

[5] McDonnell released her first solo album, Broken Bones reissued by Waterbug Records in 1994.

[8][3] Her 1998 album Next was reviewed in the Boston Globe: "Arrangements ... centered on McDonnell's soaring soprano vocals, expressive acoustic guitar finger picking"... "With her poetic songs... she shares life with an unforgettable impact".

[12] Rani Arbo in Acoustic Guitar wrote: "Kate McDonnell applies a polished and subtle musicianship to bluegrass, swing tunes, and classic single–songwriter fare."

When the finger picked or flat-picked, the guitar is rhythmically solid, fleet and energetic... best of all, McDonnell's voice has a sweet patina that complements her stylized yet unaffected delivery and stays fresh throughout".