1. Type of Music: BLUES
2. When Was the Band Founded? 2007
3. Names and Instruments:
Karen Lovely – vocals
Many of the musicians in Southern Oregon play in more than one band, so at one time or another the following musicians have played, are playing or will be playing again with me: Tom Stamper – drums, Michael Vannice – sax/piano, J. Jorgensen – bass, Gary Halliburton – keys, Mike Ruiz – drums, Joe Diehl – guitar, Robbie DaCosta – guitar, Brent Norton – guitar, Jonathan Moore – guitar, Bob DiChiro – bass (electric & standup), Rand Mace – bass (electric & upright), David Pinksky – rhythmn guitar and harp, Dal Carver – piano, Bruce Fiero – harp, Jeff Smith – drums/vocals, Charles Guy – guitar. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with some of the best musicians around. I also had the great good fortune to play with Brandon Fields when sitting in with the Rogue Suspects at 4 Daughters one night. I also love to invite friends to sit in on my shows, so I’ve had guest singers join me like Marcella Ruikis, Cantrell Maryott, Lindsay “Miss Holler” and the amazing Robbie DaCosta.
4. Day Job: Web Developer
5. Influences:
You’ll find most of them tattooed on my right arm…Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Big Mama Thornton, Sarah Vaughan, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Billie Holiday, Koko Taylor, Alberta Hunter, Victoria Spivey, Lucille Hegamin, Lucille Bogan, Sugar Pie DiSanto and of course, Etta James.
6. Where did you guys meet? I met Tom Stamper, Michael Vannice, Joe Diehl, David Pinksy, Bob DiChiro, and Gary Halliburton sitting in with the Royal Blues Band on Monday nights at Alex’s. I met everyone else through them or through Dal Carver.
7. How long have you been together? I started sitting in with the Royal Blues Band last May, on a somewhat regular basis. I began performing with my own group in September ’07.
8. Show Calendar:
February 15th, 2008 7pm
Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Basic Rights Oregon
First Congregational Church (UCC)
717 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR
541.482.1981
http://uccashlandoregon.org/
February 20th, 2008
American Heart Association’s
GO RED FOR WOMEN Luncheon Fundraiser
Red Lion Hotel
Medford, OR
Call 541.779.2709 for reservations and information.
February 22nd, 7 – 11pm
Roscoe’s BBQ
Classic juke joint w/dancing, BBQ.
117 S. Main St.
Talent, OR
Call 512-1046 for reservations and info.
Starting March 21st, I’ll be at Roscoes’
every 3rd Friday.
March 9th, 8-10pm
Bawdy and Blue: Tribute to the 20’s & 30’s
Karen Lovely – vocals
Michael Vannice – sax/clarinet/flute
Ben Gault – keys/vocals
Avalon Bar and Grill
105 W. Valley Rd (in the Talent Plaza)
Talent, OR
541.512.8864
http://avalonbarandgrill.com
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED.
April 6th, 2008 9am and 11am
Center for Spiritual Living
1119 Ellen Ave, Medford, OR
541.734.8581
http://www.cslmedford.org/
May 9th and May 10th, 2008
Four Daughters Irish Pub
Fabulous, funky and fun…great food, dancing!
126 W. Main St., Medford, Oregon 97501
Medford, OR
Call 541-779-4455 for information.
http://4daughtersirishpub.com/
9. Favorite Musicians / Inspirations:
Most powerful influence would have to be Big Mama Thornton followed by Bessie Smith, Alberta Hunter and Etta James.
Favorite local musicians…
Most Fun: Tom “I Hit Things” Stamper
Most in Awe Of: Michael Vannice
Most Exciting: Robbie Da Costa
Most Soulful: Joe Diehl
Best/Wost Jokes and Damn Fine Human Being: Brent Norton
Musician I Most Want to Hear: Michael Vannice and Dave Scoggin
10. Albums and Songs: Currently working on my first CD.
11. Shout out to the community: Get your mojo working.
12. Dream Come True: sharing the stage with Etta James.
13. Best Show: Playing this year’s blues festival at Standing Stone – it was an absolute blast.
14. Worst Show: it wasn’t the worst show – more of most shocking/memorable moment kind of thing…having a drunk fan pull up her shirt and flash us to show her appreciation of the blues.
15. Most fun you ever had during a show: Christmas show at Alex’s…the band started warming up which turned into a song. I improvised lyrics on the spot and it turned into this amazing opening Tune That Had No Name. The audience loved it and no one ever knew it was made up on the spot.
16. Favorite Local Place to Play: Alex’s. I also love Roscoe’s in Phoenix – it’s a classic juke joint. Avalon is great and my new favorite is Four Daughters in Medford.
17. Other Favorite Local Bands: I really like One Horse Shy – I love their music, their look, and their vibe. I love Frankie Hernandez – he’s a really talented performer. I remember the first time I ever heard him play – I thought he was incredible. Also, Mambo Rico (I played with them for a while and they’re terrific), Rogue Suspects, Annie Mac – I don’t get out much, so I don’t get to hear a lot of the other bands around. My favorite local act was Dave Scoggin when he played T’s on Sunday night with J. Jorgenson and Michael Vannice. It was this incredibly intimate setting and Dave could play and sing something so beautiful you’d be moved to tears and before you could stop sniffling he’d launch into something so funny, you’d start laughing and crying all over again. I think he’s extraordinary.
18. Anything else you want do with your local fame and fortune: Just to play every week and have the people keep coming back.
