The Kari and Jerry duo began in 1982 on the “ Holiday Inn circuit “. For years it was one hotel lounge to the next working 49-50 weeks a year. In the mid 90's Kari and Jerry moved to Las Vegas to pursue what became a very successful stay in Nevada, playing many of the top casinos in Reno and surrounding cities, including 2 years as house band at the Suncoast Casino and Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. Along the way the duo played country clubs, corporate events, private parties, bars and many contracts with Carnival and Princess Cruise Lines.
Kari grew up in Texas and started her singing career at the early age of 8 singing with her brother’s band, The Junior Americans. At age 11 she won a talent contest and the prize was a recording contract with GM Records in Gladewater, Texas. The first records were done at GM studio, 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, Grapevine Opry 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 The Beatles, Johnny 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. Jerry is a seasoned guitarist, vocalist and keyboardist. He also plays harmonica and does all the musical programming for the duo. When you hear Jerry play you know he's from Texas.
Kari grew up in Texas and started her singing career at the early age of 8 singing with her brother’s band, The Junior Americans. At age 11 she won a talent contest and the prize was a recording contract with GM Records in Gladewater, Texas. The first records were done at GM studio, 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, Grapevine Opry 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 The Beatles, Johnny 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. Jerry is a seasoned guitarist, vocalist and keyboardist. He also plays harmonica and does all the musical programming for the duo. When you hear Jerry play you know he's from Texas.
“My hotel choice was based solely on the opportunity to see Kari and Jerry perform at the Suncoast Casino in Las Vegas.”
Robert Conti
World renowned jazz guitarist and instructor
“I love all music especially the blues, Kari and Jerry play and sing it so well I forget I’m losing my money in a casino.”
Lenny’s Las Vegas column - Las Vegas Review Journal
“Kari and Jerry performed for me as house band at The Suncoast for 2 years. Their sound is fantastic.”
David-Entertainment director - Suncoast Hotel and Casino
“We don’t want Kari and Jerry to play anywhere else. We want them for our own.”
Josh - Marketing Director - Lady Luck Casino - Black Hawk, CO
Josh - Marketing Director - Lady Luck Casino - Black Hawk, CO
“They make me a hero to my clients. I also truly enjoy them as an audience member.”
The Hammer Company Entertainment Agency Las Vegas
“Wonderful repertoire - great attitude on stage. The professionalism of this group is beyond the norm.”
Ed - Musical director - Carnival Cruise Lines
“Kari and Jerry made a large contribution here on the M/S Paradise and are welcome back anytime.”
Robb - Entertainment buyer - Carnival Cruise Lines
“Their talent and professionalism have never missed. Character and business ethics are impeccable. Return dates for every gig we’ve used them for.”
Electric Events Entertainment
“Street fair favorites.”
Brenda - President Buffalo Bill Days Golden, CO
“Everyone just loves Kari and Jerry at the Golden Street Fair.” Gary - President - Golden Chamber Of Commerce
“Musically very gifted, extremely pleasant. Know most of the crew by name. Best duo I’ve ever worked with in 9 years as musical director - they could work any venue on the
ship. I’ll work with these two anytime anywhere.”
Dave - Musical director - Carnival Cruise Lines
“In my 30 years in the entertainment industry they are at the top of the list. Exceptional high rate of “ask backs”.”
Oakwood Productions - St. Paul, MN
“True masters of their craft. Wide variety of genres of popular music. They read the audience and respond effortlessly. Constantly receiving positive feedback from our guests and staff.”
Matthew - Musical director - Carnival Cruise Lines
“They’ve done a great job on every gig they have played for us. Professional, prompt and talented.”
Scott Dean Agency - Reno, NV
“Kari and Jerry will do you proud.”
Dusty Case Entertainment - Austin, TX
