BIOGRAPHY | Chris and Karen Band

Biography

Christopher

Christopher is a Texas native, singer-songwriter in central Texas who has written and recorded songs influenced by mostly Texas songwriters from the 70's including Townes Van Zandt, Eric Taylor, Lyle Lovett, and others on the blues side of the isle like Chris Smithers, Kelly Joe Phelps. Chris plays multiple stringed instruments including guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and a little banjo.

Chris has moved around a bit to Colorado and then Hawaii, but has been back in Texas for the last 23 years. Currently in Round Rock, he is performing with his wife Karen, who plays the drums and sings harmony and lead, around the Hill Country in small venues. He was previously in the bands "Simply Friends" and "Arrowhead Republic" and is currently with "Chris n' Karen", "Southern Tropics" and occasionally "Cowboy Nemo". With many songs under his belt, Christopher recorded and released his songs on his first CD, "Magic Window" now available on Spotify and Amazon Music.

Chris has additional recordings featuring Jawaiian style songs influenced by living in the islands and playing the the Southern Tropics band.

Chris was also featured on the Texas TV show "Songwriters across Texas" hosted by the one and only Pitt Garrett recorded at the iconic Broken Spoke honkey tonk. He is featured on the shows Hall of Fame.

Karen

Karen grew up in Kaneohe, Oahu in Hawaii and had the music bug early playing in the school band on the saxophone. She was a member of an all girl band in Hawaii called "All Points Bulletin" (APB) playing bass, guitar and on vocals. Karens early influences include the Eagles, Karen Carpenter, and Bee Gees. Karen has a natural talent for music with deep passion and soul in her voice.

Karen moved to Austin in 1994 where she eventually picked up the country music bug and started playing drums and singing for full fledged classic country bands bands, "Cowboy Nemo" and "Steel Country Outlaws". Karen currently plays the drums and sings harmony and lead with her husband, Christopher who plays strings and sings as a duo under the band name "Chris n' Karen". Karen was also formally with the bands "Simply Friends' and "Arrowhead Republic". She continues to amaze audiences with her raw talent.

Currently Cowboy Nemo band has retired after playing for 20+ years in central Texas. Karen now plays for the "Best of..." band featuring harmony rich songs from the 60's including Peter,Paul and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, Beatles, Crosby, Stills and Nash and others.