Kari Smith Music

When I arrive at a show, it is with everything that I need for my performance - all you need to provide is 1 electrical outline for me to plug into.

I perform with both guitar and piano. I feel that especially with an extended solo performance (more than an hour), it is important to vary the sound to keep the listener's attention and provide a full musical experience. Playing 2 different instruments also allows me to stay true to songs that are known as "piano songs" (for example, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel) or "guitar songs" (like "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin).

I use the Bose L1 Model II with B1 Bass Module and ToneMatch, which provides superior sound with a minimal footprint on stage. This unit is effective whether it is being used in the smallest coffee shop, or a large venue with 500 audience members.

In a 3-hour performance, I typically take 1 break in the middle, but this can get varied based on the client's needs.

I can perform an entire show of cover songs, or of original music. My cover songs range in genre from pop / R&B to acoustic / folk. I provide songs lists from which audience members can request songs. The list has over 300 songs, which provides "a little something for everyone..."

I interact minimally and tastefully with the audience, and provide as seamless a performance as possible without excessive "dead air" in between songs.

I can provide emcee services if required (typically for private events, weddings, etc.)

Kari Smith gathers crowds with her fresh vocal style and contagious smile, whether it's local fans in a crowded coffee shop, or on stage performing for thousands. Rather than waiting to be discovered, Kari finds her audience in local and regional venues, and fills her time outside of performing with writing, recording, and teaching music. In addition to solo acoustic performances, Kari performs with other bands in a variety of genres as a vocalist, keyboardist, and rhythm guitarist. Through these experiences, she has had the opportunity to share the stage with such national acts as Huey Lewis & the News, Sugar Ray, Switchfoot, and Eric Heatherly, and Graham Russell of Air Supply. Her powerful rendition of the National Anthem has been heard at Richmond Braves games, national concerts, an Extreme Fighting Championship in Richmond, VA's Coliseum, and the Toughest Cowboy rodeo in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Since 2005, she has performed over 600 shows in almost 150 different venues in 15 states.

"As a vocalist, Kari is mature beyond her years," says producer Matthew Roberts. In 2005, she independently released EP "go with you", including the bluesy, driving rhythm of "I Call It Love," which was featured in independent film "Middle of the Road" (August 2005, Red Cactus Films). Producer John Henneberger says that her writing is “superb and reflects that of a seasoned veteran while maintaining a freshness in approach needed in today's musical landscape." In August 2006, she followed up with an independently released full-length album, self-titled "Kari". Her third record “Gypsy of Love” was released in December 2008 by Music Row producer / engineer Dennis Money on independent label Vanillity Music.

Her first TV appearance in October 2007 featured acoustic performances of her original music on PBS’s “The Music Seen”, and her first network appearance on CBS's “Virginia This Morning” aired in January 2008. She also worked as an extra on Season 2 of ABC’s Nashville in January 2014.

Kari made the move from Richmond, VA to Nashville, TN in 2006 to further her pursuit of performing and writing. In 2013, she began to focusing her attention on her passion for the Hispanic community by performing regularly in Spanish. She has played nearly 100 shows in Spanish and has been featured in Spanish newspaper and Spanish radio in Nashville. After 10 years in Nashville cultivating her musical talents, she returned in 2016 to the Richmond, VA area where she maintains a robust acoustic performance schedule.

Kari holds an AA in Liberal Arts, and is a member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriter Association International) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers.)

As a solo acoustic performer, my requirements for sound are minimal, as I provide my own portable PA. I use the Bose L1 Model II with B1 Bass Module and ToneMatch. I can provide minimal lighting with 2 mountable can lights.