On most nights you can find Kari and Jerry playing a gig.
Twenty-nine years together translates to a lot of different styles and a lot of gigs in various venues. This duo can jump from blues to rock, oldies to standards in the blink of an eye. Want a little reggae ? No problem, mon ! Classic country music is another specialty and the blues is always a standout. Over the years their music has taken them to 23 states , 32 countries and 6 continents.
Their duo career began in 1982 on the “ Holiday Inn circuit “. For about 12 years it was one hotel lounge to the next. In the mid 90's Kari and Jerry moved to Las Vegas to pursue what has been a very sucessful stay in Nevada, playing many of the top casinos, including 2 years as houseband at the Suncoast Casino and Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. Along the way there have been many country clubs, corporate events, private parties and bars. Cruise ships called in the late 90's and they worked on 7 different ships, including a 6 month world cruise including 6 months in the Baltics. Kari and Jerry also spent a lot of time in the Caribbean and Alaska.
Kari was born in Texarkana, Texas and grew up in Longview, Texas. She started her singing career at age 8 singing with her brother, Curt’s band, The Junior Americans. At age 11 she won a talent contest and the prize was a recording contract with GM Records. The first records were done at GM Records, the next at Robin Hood Bryans in Tyler, Texas and eventually recording in Nashville under the watchful eye of the legendary Jimmy Bryant. Kari's first album was produced by Jimmy Bryant and featured some of Nashville's top session players. At that time Kari was a regular performer on the Louisiana Hayride and spent her teenage years doing package shows with many of the stars of the day. Her appearance at the Gregg County Fair in Longview ,Texas set attendance records drawing 5000 people. Kari's band were regulars at the legendary Reo Palm Isle in Longview. She has had fan clubs in the US and Scotland.
Growing up in Texas. Jerry's musical foundation was every thing from blues to Chet Atkins. Early influences were Johhny Winter, Billy Gibbons, Freddy King, Jimmy Reed and of course Stevie Ray Vaughan. In the 60's music wasn't categorized as it is now. Blues, rock and soul were all in the same format. Jerry's abilities on the guitar developed through the years with experiences in performing and recording. He spent several years as staff guitarist and programmer for Sulphur Springs Sound recording studio in Texas. When you hear Jerry play you know he's from Texas.
Kari and Jerry have performed over 5000 gigs together and are looking forward to the next 5000.
