When not playing a few select solo acoustic shows, Karen is backed by an absolutely awesome band comprised of:

TED BONAR: Drums/vocals I met Ted through Ed Breckenfeld. Ed, drummer for Chicago band Insiders, played on my demo/CD and is one of the best drummers in the area. Ed has done many studio projects and was kind enough to help me with mine. Ted was working in NYC for Polygram and decided to leave the music biz altogether and come back to Chicago. Ed was Ted's drum teacher and told me he'd be great for the band; he was right. I frequently call Ted Ed with a T.

TOMMY MCMANAMAN: Bass A veteran of the Chicago music scene, Tommy has played in various bands and claims to know just about everyone in Chicago. I didn't believe him until he introduced me to Nash Kato of Urge Overkill at one of our recent shows at Gunther Murphy's.

CASEY RIORDAN: Violin/vocals Casey is a very talented violinist and as terrific as she is in performing, her real talent is in art where she just won first place for a city sponsored sidewalk art contest. She also drew what became the poster for a Steppenwolf Theatre production of a David Mamet play. Caseola, a native of Cincinnati, has been backing me up for about two years now begining with our coffeehouse days. Look for her artwork on our next CD cover.

CHRIS WALKE: Lead guitar/ vocal One rehearsal with Chris and I knew he was our guitarist (thanks Angelo!). He plays a mean Fender Telecaster and with just the right twangy touch. He also has a wonderful voice and blends beautifully harmonizing with me. Chris is our newest member but you couldn't tell. He fits right in and feels comfortable giving us all shit. That's ok, we love his hair anyway, "new guy!"