Born in the small town of Marton, New Zealand, Catherine "BB" Bowness spent her early years working and living in her family's fish-and-chip shop. While an unlikely beginning for a bluegrass banjo player, it was in New Zealand that BB first discovered the instrument, sparking a lifelong passion. Growing up far from bluegrass's Appalachian roots, BB largely taught herself to play through determination and persistence, eventually becoming the first banjo student at the New Zealand School of Music. Inspired by pioneering Kiwi bluegrass musicians such as The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, she was drawn to the energy and collaboration of a full band setting.

After moving to the USA in 2012, BB co-founded Mile Twelve, one of bluegrass's most acclaimed young groups. The band earned multiple honors from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), including New Artist of the Year (2020) and Momentum Band of the Year (2017). In 2025, BB released her debut solo album, Goodtime Revival, a collection of original compositions featuring performances by some of New England's finest acoustic musicians. The album has received praise from leading figures in the genre. Banjo legend Tony Trischka remarked, "Her banjo playing and overall creativity, though strongly rooted in bluegrass, know no bounds... Her groove is deep and her daring execution is flawless."

BB's individual accolades include winning the FreshGrass Banjo Contest in 2015 and receiving the Steve Martin Banjo Prize in 2020. In addition to performing, she is a dedicated educator who enjoys sharing her passion for the banjo with students of all ages and experience levels. She has taught at numerous banjo camps and workshops across the United States, maintains a private teaching studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and recently launched Beginning Banjo by Ear with Peghead Nation. Her euphoric energy and love of the banjo are readily apparent in any of her live performances.

• Beginning Banjo by Ear